Is the treatment of glaucoma necessary?

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Glaucoma is among the top reasons for blindness in India, affecting around 40 million people. Sadly, many cases remain undiagnosed due to a lack of screening programs and limited access to regular eye care. Improving both ophthalmology training and setting up more vision screening centres in rural areas could significantly reduce the burden of this disease. Glaucoma does not show many signs at the beginning. People sometimes call it the silent thief of sight. Also, the more it worsens, it can affect eyesight, which is a big problem. People can live with glaucoma if they get the right treatment and know what might happen if they do not. The important thing is understanding why glaucoma treatment is needed and what might happen if you do not get it.

Is treatment mandatory for individuals diagnosed with glaucoma?

Yes. Glaucoma treatment is essential because it aims to control the progression of glaucoma and prevent vision loss. No glaucoma treatment can affect daily life. Here is why treatment is crucial:

• Preventing Further Damage: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve due to increased pressure within the eye. Without treatment, this pressure continues to rise, causing ongoing damage to the optic nerve. Treatment, such as medications or surgeries, helps to reduce this pressure, thereby slowing down or halting further harm to the optic nerve.
• Preserving Vision: The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to preserve your vision. By managing eye pressure, treatment endeavours to prevent or minimize vision loss. It aims to maintain your ability to see clearly and perform daily activities without significant impairment.
• Maintaining Quality of Life: Vision loss due to glaucoma can affect your quality of life. It may impact your ability to drive, work, read, or even recognize faces. Treatment helps in preserving your independence and allows you to continue enjoying your usual activities without major hindrances.
• Preventing Severe Complications: Untreated glaucoma can lead to severe complications beyond vision loss. It can cause significant discomfort, headaches, and even nausea due to increased eye pressure. Moreover, as the disease progresses, the treatment options might become limited, making it harder to manage effectively.
• Early Intervention is Key: Glaucoma often shows no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms become apparent, significant damage may have already occurred. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment play a vital role in preventing irreversible vision loss.

What is the treatment for glaucoma?

When dealing with glaucoma, treatment is crucial. It helps manage the condition and prevent further harm to your eyes. There are a few ways doctors handle glaucoma:

• Medication: Using eye drops or taking pills can help lower the pressure inside your eyes. These medications aim to either reduce the production of fluid or improve its drainage, which can stop the disease from getting worse.
• Surgical options: Sometimes, medications might not be enough. In such cases, doctors might suggest surgeries. These surgeries can help improve fluid drainage from your eyes, easing the pressure on your optic nerve and preventing more damage.
• Regular check-ups: Regardless of the treatment chosen, it’s crucial to regularly visit your eye doctor. These check-ups help track your eye pressure and ensure your treatment plan is working effectively.

What happens if you do not opt for treatment?

Some people decide not to get treated for glaucoma. However, no treatment could lead to serious problems:

• Gradual Vision Loss: Glaucoma does not show many symptoms early on, but it can silently damage your eyes. Without treatment, the pressure in your eyes can harm the optic nerve, causing vision loss. At first, it might affect your side vision, but as it progresses, it can lead to tunnel vision or even complete blindness.
• Quality of Life Impact: Losing your vision can make daily activities challenging. Once easy tasks might become difficult, and you could be at a higher risk of accidents. This loss of independence can significantly impact your life.
• Emotional Impact: The emotional toll of losing vision can not be overlooked. It may lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or isolation. Coping with these emotions might become tough without proper support and resources.

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