Prevalence

- Due to its asymptomatic nature and subtle clinical signs, a significant proportion of Glaucoma remains undetected in people worldwide.

- As on date, the global prevalence of glaucoma is 64.3 million which is predicted to increase by 18% in 2020 and 74% in 2040, predominantly affecting the inhabitants from Asian and African ethnicity. Women comprise more than 50% of all cases.

- More than 12 million people in India have Glaucoma – but only half know they have it.

- 25% of Glaucoma patients present to eye surgeon when one eye vision is lost and 8-10% people know about the disease when 80% nerve fibers are lost.

Causes For Glaucoma

- Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP)

- Poor Drainage of Eye Fluid

- Age (Above 60 Years)

- Family History of Glaucoma

- Medical Conditions

- Eye Injuries

- Long-term Use of Steroid Medications

- Thin Corneas

- Previous Eye Conditions or Surgery

- Ethnicity

Symptoms

The most common type of glaucoma (open-angle glaucoma) often has no symptoms rather than slow vision loss. Angle-closure glaucoma although rare is a medical emergency and its symptoms include eye pain with nausea and sudden visual disturbance.

- Inability to adjust the eyes to darkened rooms, such as theaters

- Poor night vision

- Frequent changes in eye glass prescription

- Gradual loss of peripheral vision

- Blurred vision

- Feeling of a blind area in the eye

- Seeing rainbow colored halos around lights

- Severe eye pain, facial pain, nausea and vomiting

- Red eye