IT CAN TAKE YOUR SIGHT AWAY:

GLAUCOMA also known as “Kala Motia” or “Neela Motia”, is one of the leading causes of blindness all over the world. The most disturbing fact is that this blindness is preventable.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

To retain the shape and configuration of the eye, a fluid called the aqueous humor is formed inside the eye. This fluid is being continuously formed and is simultaneously being drained out of the eye. Some times this balance is disturbed. Either the production of the aqueous is increased, or the exit channels of the drainage start malfunctioning. This results in an increase of aqueous pressure inside the eye ball.

This increase in pressure presses on the blood vessels which bring blood supply to the vital optic nerve at the back of the eye. It contains millions of wires each carrying messages from the eye to the brain. These wires work together to provide central sharp vision as well as “Side Vision” or Peripheral vision.

Glaucoma causes gradual damage to these wires or nerves causing blind spots in the areas of vision. Patients rarely notice these blind areas in the vision until significant optic nerve damage has taken place. If the entire nerve is destroyed, total loss of vision takes place and this loss of sight is permanent and irrecoverable. Fortunately this rarely occurs if glaucoma is diagnosed and treated before major damage occurs.

DETECTION & DIAGNOSIS: Early detection of Glaucoma is of utmost importance. The most common form of glaucoma is “Chronic open angle glaucoma” which is painless and generally occurs in adults above the age of 40 years. Hence once a year check up by an ophthalmologist is essential for this age group.

Glaucoma detection needs the help of the few specialized investigations.

TONOMETRY: It is used to measure the pressure in the eyes. Applanation Tonometry is the most sensitive technique to detect the level of intraocular pressure which is an indicator of Glaucoma.

OPHTHALMOSCOPY: It is used to assess the optic nerve at the back of the eye.

PERIMETRY: Perimetry is a special and a very sensitive test for detection of glaucoma. It produces a map of the patient’s complete field of vision. Glaucoma damage first appears as slight changes in the field of vision. Perimetry is also a sensitive indicator of the progress of Glaucoma.

OCT: Optical Coherece Tomography [OCT] is a noninvasive non contact imaging system and provides high resolution measurements and cross sectional imaging of the retina.It is used for very early detection of glaucoma.

GONIOSCOPY: It is used to see the exit areas of the anterior chamber of the eye and the extent to which they are blocked.

More Frequent checkups are needed if there is:-

1. A possible history of glaucoma in the family.
2. Dull pain around the eyes especially after sitting in dark or watching movies and T.V.
3. Unexplained Headaches.
4. Intermittent Blurring of vision.
5. Loss of field of vision.
6. Difficulty in seeing at night.
7. Frequent change of glasses.
8. Visualizing coloured haloes around lights.
9. Patients with general health problems such as diabetes.
10. Use of cortisone for some other disease. People who consume mustard oil should be careful. Mustard oil adulterated with argemone oil can cause glaucoma (along with Epidemic Dropsy).

TREATMENT: Treatment depends upon the type & severity of glaucoma. Glaucoma can be treated either by drugs, laser or by operative surgery. In case drugs are prescribed for instilling in the eye, continuous and regular use is a must. The regularity and the usage of the medicine with proper periodicity is extremely important.

In case drugs fail to achieve the objective, glaucoma can be treated with laser or Incision surgery. Fortunately complications of modern glaucoma surgery are rare.
Once the glaucoma has been controlled by drugs, laser or surgery, the patient can live a normal life and may continue with his / her regular occupation.