" ಶ್ರೀ ಜಗನ್ನಾಥದಾಸರ ಆರಾಧನಾ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವ ವಿಶೇಷ "

World Glaucoma Week, observed from March 10th to March 16th, 2024, marks a significant global initiative led by the World Glaucoma Association (WGA). Dedicated to raising public awareness about glaucoma and promoting preventive measures, it serves as a rallying call for action. This year's theme, "Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World," emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in tackling glaucoma through timely diagnosis and treatment.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the pathway that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. The World Glaucoma Association reports that over 80 million people worldwide are affected by this condition, with millions more undiagnosed. In India alone, epidemiological studies forecast a staggering 27.8 million afflicted by this relentless ailment.

Glaucoma is most commonly observed in individuals over 40 years old, but it can affect individuals of any age group, including children and even newborns. Often referred to as the 'silent thief of sight,' glaucoma progresses gradually without causing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision loss becomes apparent, the damage may already be irreversible. Signs of reduced vision, such as bumping into objects while walking or experiencing difficulty while driving, warrant an immediate eye check-up. Several factors, including age, family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, and specific ethnicities, can increase the risk of developing glaucoma. It's important to note that glaucoma-related vision loss is permanent. While treatment can help prevent further damage, it cannot restore lost vision. Therefore, early detection is particularly crucial in this condition.

Regular eye check-ups, including visual field test, optical coherence tomography scans, and & optic disc photographs enable the doctor to detect and stage the disease as well as to monitor progression. Treatment options, including eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery aim to maintain optimal eye pressure and preserve existing vision. In addition to the above, certain lifestyle changes can be helpful such as exercise, yoga and meditation with a healthy diet.

Narayana Nethralaya, at the forefront of innovative glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, offers cutting-edge preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services. Equipped with advanced technologies such as CASIA 2 Anterior Segment OCT and OCT angiography, and advanced surgical techniques such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), the hospital ensures accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and disease stage. It is also at the fore-front of research in glaucoma to unveil the unknown aspects of the disease for enhanced diagnosis and treatment.

In advocating for glaucoma awareness, Narayana Nethralaya recommendsa comprehensive eye exam, which includes dilated eye exams and eye pressure checks, especially for First Degree Relatives (those with family members affected by glaucoma), as they have a ten-fold increase in lifelong glaucoma risk. Periodic follow-up visits are especially important for glaucoma patients to track disease progression, reduce potential complications, and safeguard remaining vision.

By Dr Naren Shetty, Vice-Chairman

Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru