Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss if it is not identified at an early stage. Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” it progresses gradually and typically does not produce obvious symptoms in the beginning.
In many cases, people only notice a problem with their vision when the disease has already caused considerable and irreversible damage.
According to eye specialists, glaucoma affects millions of people across the globe and is one of the leading causes of blindness. The condition damages the optic nerve, which is essential for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.
Once the optic nerve is damaged, the resulting vision loss cannot be restored.
Speaking during Glaucoma Awareness Week, Dr Raksha J Vaishnav, Surgeon – Cataract & Glaucoma at Nethradhama Superspeciality Eye Hospital, said many people fail to notice the early warning signs because the disease initially affects peripheral vision rather than central vision.
“Glaucoma is often called the ‘silent thief of sight’ as it leads to gradual and irreversible vision loss. It usually begins by affecting peripheral vision and progresses without obvious symptoms in the early stages,” she explained.
Why Glaucoma Frequently Goes Unnoticed
One of the biggest challenges with glaucoma is that it can progress silently over several years. In many cases, patients continue their daily activities without realising that their vision is gradually deteriorating.
Dr Vaishnav explained that central vision typically remains unaffected in the early stages of the disease. As a result, people may not notice that their peripheral or side vision is slowly narrowing.
By the time the symptoms become noticeable, the optic nerve may already have sustained significant damage.
TYPES OF GLAUCOMA
Experts say there are two primary types of glaucoma.
The most common form is open-angle glaucoma, which develops gradually and often shows no clear symptoms. Many individuals are diagnosed only during routine eye check-ups.
The second type is angle-closure glaucoma, which is less common but occurs suddenly and can be more severe. It may cause symptoms such as intense eye pain, blurred vision, headaches, and seeing halos around lights. In such cases, immediate medical attention is essential.
WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK?
Certain groups of people are more susceptible to developing glaucoma. According to specialists, key risk factors include:
- Age above 50 years
- Family history of glaucoma
- Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Long-term use of steroid medications
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease
Lifestyle habits may also contribute to the risk. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high caffeine intake, and diets high in saturated fats can increase the likelihood of eye problems over time.
Why Regular Eye Check-Ups Are Important
Doctors emphasise that regular eye examinations are the most effective way to detect glaucoma at an early stage.
Routine screenings can identify increased eye pressure or early signs of optic nerve damage before any noticeable vision loss occurs. Early diagnosis allows doctors to begin treatment promptly and slow the progression of the disease, helping patients protect their eyesight.
“Routine examinations can detect increased eye pressure or early optic nerve damage before vision loss develops, allowing timely treatment and helping preserve vision,” Dr Vaishnav said.
During Glaucoma Awareness Week, experts urge people—especially those above 40 or with known risk factors—to prioritise regular eye check-ups and consult a doctor if they notice any changes in their vision.
They stress that early detection can make a crucial difference between maintaining healthy vision and suffering permanent sight loss.