Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight - Why Early Detection is Crucial

• Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease damaging the optic nerve, often without early symptoms, leading to irreversible vision loss.
• Dr. Sudipto Pakrasi, Chairman, Ophthalmology, Medanta, Gurugram, highlights the slow deterioration of the optic nerve, which can occur even with normal intraocular pressure (IOP).
• The brain's ability to compensate for peripheral vision loss and the resilience of some optic nerves can mask symptoms, making early detection challenging.
• Regular comprehensive eye examinations are vital, especially for high-risk individuals (family history, older adults, certain ethnicities, diabetes, hypertension).
• Early diagnosis allows for treatments like eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery to slow or halt disease progression, preserving vision.

Why It Matters: Glaucoma is a silent, progressive disease; regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and vision preservation.