Investing in eye exams early on in life can prevent permanent blindness, better quality of life and associated financial expenses, says DR SUNEETA DUBEY
Approximately 596 million people worldwide had distance vision impairment in 2020, out of whom, 43 million were blind. Causes that lead to vision loss often require early treatment and continuous rehabilitative interventions. This is true for diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, uncorrected refractive error, and age-related macular degeneration among others.
Globally, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness. In fact, according to WHO, about 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma. It is also the third leading cause of blindness in India after cataract and untreated refractive errors. Over time, if the eye pressure remains constantly high, the optic nerve, which sends images from the eyes to the brain, can get damaged. If left untreated, an increased eye pressure can lead to visual impairment and at times blindness.
Need for regular eye pressure check-ups
Early detection through regular eye check-up is important to control further disease severity in glaucoma patients. Eye pressure is checked by what is known as a tonometry test to determine the intraocular pressure. The normal eye pressure is about 10-20 mm Hg. In glaucoma cases, the pressure is 22mm Hg or more. There are, however, times when one may develop glaucoma even without an increase in eye pressure. Nonetheless, it is vital to get the eye pressure checked every year if the disease is not at a severe stage. Those with severe glaucoma must get their eye pressure checked every two months.
Crucial question to ask an ophthalmologist during eye check-up
While visiting an ophthalmologist, people with a family history of glaucoma should ask questions and present concerns to be equipped with relevant information and knowledge. Some people don't have glaucoma but may be categorised as glaucoma suspects as the way the optic nerve appears, but the diagnosis may be indefinite. The diagnosis may also be challenging if the patient has near-sightedness or myopia. If someone is a glaucoma suspect, it is advisable to go for follow ups regularly as the diagnosis may progress to glaucoma. Patients should ask about the reading of eye pressure and if it is showing improvement due to the treatment advised. Stable symptoms indicate that the patient is responding well to the treatment regime.
Important tips for people with family history of glaucoma
People with a family history of glaucoma must get a complete eye exam every one or two years, especially if they are above 40 years of age. Additionally, if one has any other issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they must get their eyes examined frequently. Investing in eye care goes a long way in maintaining eye health and preventing exorbitant medical expenses, which may occur at a later stage. Glaucoma leads to an increase in the overall medical expenses directly or indirectly via consultations, hospital visits, tests, and more. There is an increased financial burden if the severity of the disease is more or if the condition is undiagnosed till it has advanced to a severe stage. Regular eye check-ups and early medical intervention can save the patients and their families from substantial financial implications.
Detection and treatment
Once glaucoma is detected, the doctor will advise the line of treatment depending on the severity of your case. A suitable treatment option aims at lowering eye pressure. Depending on the disease severity, a patient could be prescribed eye drops, oral medicines sometimes, laser treatment, or surgery. The only way to ensure slowing down the progression is to be regular with follow-ups and not delay or miss the appointments with the treating doctor.
Investing in eye exams early on in life can prevent permanent blindness, better quality of life and associated financial expenses.
The writer is Dr Suneeta Dubey, Chairperson - Quality Assurance & Head, Glaucoma Services, Dr Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital
