(1)What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye, where there is a progressive and irreversible  deterioration of function of optic nerve. In most of the cases, this damage is because of raised eye pressrure(IOP).

(2) How do I know that I have glaucoma?

Unfortunately most of the patients have no symptom whatsoever till the late stage of glaucoma. Loss of peripheral field of vision is characteristic of glaucoma, which is difficult to perceive. Only regular check up after the age of 40 years help detect glaucoma. Persons with family members having glaucoma and myopia are at a greater risk of developing glaucoma.

(3)Will I become blind from glaucoma?

With glaucoma, If detected early and diagnosed properly, you can have a very healthy vision throughout of your life. Caveat being you follow treatment protocol properly. Like diabetes and high blood pressure, most of the glaucoma patients have to use medicines for lifelong. For narrow angle glaucoma, simple procedure of yag laser iridotomy can take care of the disease. Surgery is a choice when pressure does not come down with maximum no. of eye drops.