Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight – Are You at Risk?

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight – Are You at Risk?
Date posted:  17-09-2025

Ever skipped eye exams because you "see just fine"? Never ignore this disease that causes irreversible vision loss! Yes, you get it right. We are talking about Glaucoma, the "silent thief of sight." Glaucoma causes permanent blindness. It can quietly and painlessly steal vision without warning. You have to protect your sight from this Glaucoma disease that shows no symptoms until it's too late. This blog will explore what exactly glaucoma is and how to know if you're at risk. Let's dive deep into it. 

Understanding Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eye and brain. This damage is usually caused by abnormally high intraocular pressure (IOP). But, Glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure called normal-tension Glaucoma.

What are the types of Glaucoma?

Don't let Glaucoma steal your sight in silence. Here are the types you should know:

  • Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma

  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)

  • Congenital Glaucoma 

  • Secondary Glaucoma

  • Pigmentary Glaucoma

  • Exfoliative Glaucoma

  • Neovascular Glaucoma

What are the early signs and symptoms of Glaucoma ??

Glaucoma symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision

  • Eye pain

  • Halos around lights

  • Redness in the eye

  • Severe headache

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision

  • Tunnel vision (in advanced stages)

  • Sudden vision loss (in acute cases)

Primary open-angle Glaucoma (POAG) develops slowly and painlessly, affecting peripheral vision first. Early signs of Glaucoma are hard to notice.

Angle-closure Glaucoma can occur suddenly and cause severe pain, blurred vision, headache, and nausea. This type of Glaucoma is a medical emergency and it requires immediate attention.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can develop Glaucoma, but certain factors can significantly increase your risk:

  • Those over 60 are at higher risk.

  • Your risk is much higher if you have a family history of Glaucoma.

  • Ethnicity has a higher susceptibility to different types of Glaucoma.

  • High eye pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor.

  • Thin corneas (in open-angle Glaucoma).

  • Previous eye injury or surgery.

  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and migraines are associated with increased risk.

  • Prolonged corticosteroid use, especially eye drops.

How to prevent Glaucoma?

  • Get Regular Eye Exams

  • Know Your Family History

  • Control Health Conditions

  • Protect Your Eyes from Injury

  • Use Prescribed Eye Drops

  • Exercise Regularly

  • Avoid Excessive Eye Strain

  • Avoid Overuse of Steroids

Why Early Detection Matters

Glaucoma exhibits almost no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Regarding glaucoma vision? Peripheral vision goes first, followed by central vision if left untreated. Can Glaucoma be cured? The good news is that early diagnosis through routine eye exams can prevent blindness. Comprehensive eye exams include glaucoma tests such as:

  • Tonometry 

  • Ophthalmoscopy 

  • Perimetry

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

How is Glaucoma Treated?

A glaucoma care plan involves slowing or halting progression to preserve remaining vision. While there's no cure, Glaucoma can be managed with:

  • Eye drops 

  • Oral medications

  • Laser therapy 

  • Surgical procedures

Management of Glaucoma

With awareness, regular screening, and timely treatment, Glaucoma can be caught early before it takes what you can never get back. Have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every 1-2 years if you're over 40 or have any of the risk factors mentioned. For those already diagnosed, sticking to treatment and follow-up schedules is key. 

Why Choose Believers Hospital, Thiruvalla, for Expert Glaucoma Care?

Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla,? is equipped with world-class infrastructure and is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate eye care through its Ophthalmology Department. Our experienced team of glaucoma specialists offers fast diagnosis for all kinds of Glaucoma. When it comes to admitted patients, we offer precise and efficient care. Our expert team of healthcare providers has extensive clinical knowledge and is highly skilled in delivering treatment with a multi-disciplinary approach. The ophthalmology department has advanced diagnostic and surgical tools, remaining a go-to solution for your eye problems.  

Don't wait for the vision problems to appear! Consult our expert ophthalmologists for a comprehensive eye checkup today.


 

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