Get regular check-ups, save your sight from glaucoma, said ophthalmologist Dr Amit Solanki

World Glaucoma Week is an annual awareness campaign dedicated to raising awareness about Glaucoma , Eye Specialist and Director Shanti EyeTech took an awareness session with senior citizens at Talk Show by MP based NGO Create 
Stories. It usually takes place in March each year, aiming to educate people about the importance of regular eye check-ups and early detection of Glaucoma.

Dr Amit Solanki Said , “Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve which affects people worldwide and, if left untreated, causes irreversible damage,” It is not a rare disease. “Glaucoma is the number one cause of the irreversible blindness. One in 4 people over the age of 40 years either have glaucoma or are at the risk of developing glaucoma,”

Quoting the importance of early detection, If glaucoma is detected early, then vision loss can be avoided, or delayed. It is extremely important to have complete eye examinations regularly,

Glaucoma Symptoms- Most people with open-angle glaucoma don’t have symptoms. If symptoms do develop, it’s usually late in the disease. That’s why glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of vision."The main sign is usually a loss of side, or peripheral, vision.
Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma usually come on faster and are more obvious. Damage can happen quickly. If you have any of these symptoms, get medical care right away:
* Seeing halos around lights
* Vision loss
* Redness in your eye
* Eye pain 
* Severe Headache 
* Nausea & Vomiting

Who are at risk to develop Glaucoma-
1. Family history of glaucoma: having a close relative with glaucoma will increases your risk by 5 to 10 times.
2. High intraocular pressure: Elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) is a significant risk factor for glaucoma.
3. Thin cornea: A thinner cornea may increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
4. Eye conditions: Certain eye conditions, such as nearsightedness (myopia) or previous eye injuries, can increase the risk.
5. Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and migraines may increase the risk of glaucoma.
6. Use of corticosteroids: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops, can increase the risk of glaucoma.
7. Age: Risk of glaucoma increases with age. Even without any additional risk factors, Glaucoma can knock your door after the age of 40 years