Many people around the world are suffering from this condition called Glaucoma. It is actually a group of vision related conditions that can lead to vision loss and blindness, and is caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye, which damages the optic nerve. This nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Those suffering from this may need to wear sunglasses in Sri Lanka when going outdoors or even order specific contact lenses online or spectacles online in Sri Lanka in order to be able to see better, when the condition gets progressive.

Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it has no early symptoms and vision loss can occur slowly over time. Risk factors for developing it include age, family history, high intraocular pressure, and certain health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular exams are required for this condition, especially if you have a family history of it, and prompt treatment to slow or prevent further vision loss.

Glaucoma can have a significant impact on a person's daily life. Depending on the severity and progression of the disease, individuals with this condition may experience:

• Difficulty with daily activities such as reading, driving, or watching TV.
• Increased dependence on others for help with daily activities.
• Decreased ability to participate in hobbies and leisure activities.
• Reduced quality of life and increased anxiety or d

In advanced stages of the disease, individuals may experience significant vision loss and blindness, which can greatly affect their independence and ability to perform daily activities.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision.
• Tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision).
• Halos around lights.
• Blurred vision.
• Pain and redness of the eye (this is generally a symptom in acute angle-closure glaucoma, a rare type).

In many cases, the condition has no symptoms at all in the early stages and vision loss can occur slowly over time. This is why regular exams are important to detect it early. In some cases, it can even cause sudden vision loss, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

What are the treatment options for people with Glaucoma?

The treatment for glaucoma depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some common treatment methods include:

• Medications: Medicated drops, pills, or ointments that help reduce pressure inside the eye.
• Laser therapy: A non-invasive procedure that uses a laser to improve the outflow of fluid and lower pressure.
• Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to create a new channel for fluid to drain or to remove part of the its drainage system.
• Monitoring: In some cases, regular monitoring of the eye pressure and optic nerve may be all that is needed, especially in early stages of the disease.

It is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your eye doctor, as the goal of treatment is to slow or prevent further vision loss. In some cases, vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, but treatment can help to slow or prevent additional loss of sight.

What can you do to prevent Glaucoma?

There is no sure way to prevent this eye condition, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Regular exams: During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will assess your risk for the disease and perform tests to evaluate the health of your eyes and optic nerve. If it is detected early, your doctor can begin treatment to reduce the pressure inside your eye and slow or prevent further vision loss.
• Control other health conditions: Managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can help reduce your risk of getting it.
• Protect your eyes: Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or participating in other activities that put your vision at risk.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can help reduce your risk of glaucoma and other health problems.
• Know your family history: If you have a family history of glaucoma, be sure to inform your doctor and consider having more frequent examinations.

It is important to talk to your eye doctor about your individual risk for glaucoma and what steps you can take to reduce your risk. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to preserving vision and preventing loss of sight from this condition.

What are the eye exams required to detect Glaucoma?

A comprehensive exam is the best way to detect glaucoma. During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will perform several tests to assess the health of your eyes and evaluate your risk, including:

• Measurement of intraocular pressure: This is the pressure inside the eye and is one of the most important factors in diagnosing this condition.
• Visual field testing: This test measures your peripheral vision to check for blind spots, which can indicate damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma.
• Optic nerve head evaluation: Your doctor will examine the optic nerve head to look for signs of damage or changes, which can indicate glaucoma.
• Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of the cornea, which can affect the accuracy of intraocular pressure measurements.
• Fundus photography: This test takes a photograph of the back of the eye to document the appearance of the optic nerve and blood vessels.

Your doctor may also perform other tests, such as gonioscopy or optical coherence tomography (OCT), to further evaluate your risk for glaucoma and monitor its progression.

Glaucoma is a progressive disease that can cause vision loss over time, but with early detection and prompt treatment, it is possible to slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision. It is important to have regular comprehensive ocular exams, especially if you are at increased risk for the disease, to ensure early detection and prompt treatment. If you have a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, or other risk factors, it is especially important to have regular exams to monitor your eye health and detect any changes.

Don’t forget that your vision is one of your most important assets; preserve it!