Glaucoma Strikes Younger Adults: Unraveling the Factors Behind the Rise

• Glaucoma, traditionally an old-age disease, is increasingly diagnosed in younger adults, prompting concerns about diagnosis, lifestyle, and genetics.
• Dr. Chaitanya Vemu, Consultant Ophthalmologist at KIMS Hospitals Thane, explains glaucoma as optic nerve damage due to increased intraocular pressure, leading to irreversible vision loss.
• Modern lifestyles with prolonged screen time, rising rates of myopia, and genetic predisposition are key factors contributing to early-onset glaucoma.
• Increased awareness and advanced diagnostic tools like OCT and visual field testing enable earlier detection of subtle changes.
• Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for managing glaucoma, as vision loss is irreversible; treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure.

Why It Matters: Glaucoma is affecting younger adults due to lifestyle, genetics, and better diagnostics, making early screening vital.