Patna: Ignoring glaucoma or waiting for symptoms could lead to irreversible vision loss, eye specialists warned ahead of the two-day annual convention of the Glaucoma Society of India. They urged people, particularly those above 40, to undergo regular eye examinations even without apparent vision problems.Often called the “silent thief of sight”, glaucoma can damage the optic nerve gradually without pain or noticeable symptoms. By the time vision changes become apparent, significant and permanent damage may have occurred.The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO) at IGIMS sees around 35 to 40 glaucoma patients daily, including 12 to 15 new cases, said Dr Vibhuti P Sinha, chief of the institute and organising secretary. The convention is expected to bring together more than 750 ophthalmologists from India and abroad.“By the time a patient notices a problem with vision, considerable damage may have already occurred. Vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored. However, early diagnosis and timely treatment can help prevent or slow further damage,” said Dr Sathyan Parthasarathi, president of the committee and a glaucoma specialist from Coimbatore.Dr Manish Shah, secretary, said the absence of symptoms often leads people to ignore the disease. “In the beginning, people have no symptoms or problems,” he said. Those with a family history of glaucoma, high spectacle power, diabetes or hypertension are at greater risk. Childhood eye injuries, including those sustained during outdoor sports, may also increase the risk later in life.Doctors stressed the need for regular follow-up and adherence to treatment, as glaucoma is progressive. Dr Deven Tuli, treasurer, said some patients rely on vitamin supplements after diagnosis. “These can be supplements, but they are not the treatment,” he said.Dr Subhash Prasad, chairman of the organising committee, said the speed and extent of vision loss depended on the stage at which glaucoma was detected. “There are cases in which complete vision can be lost in six months,” he said.According to figures shared by doctors, glaucoma is the third most common cause of blindness in India. Around 3.23% of people above 40 are estimated to have the disease, while more than 90% of cases remain undiagnosed. About 12 million people in India are estimated to be living with glaucoma, with around 1.5 million blind in both eyes due to the disease.Doctors said routine eye examinations remain the most important way to detect glaucoma early and protect the vision that remains.
