GLAUCOMA (Kala Motia)


What is glaucoma?

It is a condition in which the intraocular pressure in the eye increases and does not commensurate with normal function of the eye. The optic nerve carries the images from the retina to brain for analysis and perception. In glaucoma the pressure inside the eye destroys the optic nerve causing blindness.


What are its symptoms?

This disease is notorious for silently destroying vision. There may be non specific heaviness in the eyes, frequent changes of glasses for near, difficulty in reading in dim light, headache, coloured halos around light and decrease in peripheral vision and at night causing bumping in to doors and tables etc. in a special form of glaucoma, there may be severe pain with decrease in vision.


Should I get myself checked for glaucoma?

Yes, if you are above 45 years of age and have a family history of glaucoma. The screening is all the more important as there are no specific symptoms of the disease and the damage caused is irreversible.


What if I have glaucoma?

The disease is eminently treatable with drugs/laser. A regular follow up is warranted to keep record of you pressures and optic nerve damage. The newer drugs are highly effective and prevent further loss of vision (visual field).