Why Glaucoma is Important: A Perspective from India and Mumbai
Glaucoma prevention tips in Mumbai have become more important than ever, because glaucoma is a collection of disorders that affect the optic nerve and ultimately lead to irreversible loss of vision and even total blindness. About 80 million people worldwide suffer from the condition as of 2020. And that number is continuously increasing year after year. Millions are affected in India as well, and the data shows that about 11.9 million people in the country have Glaucoma.
Alarmingly, a large number of cases in the country are left undiagnosed until the condition is very advanced, and in extreme cases, vision loss has already occurred. This is the case for an alarming 90% of the population suffering from the disorder. This is why proactive diagnosis should be a priority for the population of Mumbai to avoid becoming another statistic. This also shows that a lack of awareness and care has become a social issue.
If you’re searching for a Glaucoma specialist Mumbai or a Glaucoma doctor in Mumbai, you should first understand how to mitigate your risk profile to avoid the disorder or identify the early symptoms.
Understanding Your Risk: Who Should This Apply To?
Some individuals are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Risk factors include:
- Age: The risk increases starting at age 40.
- Family history or genetics: Your risk increases with glaucoma in a parent or a sibling.
- Systemic health issues: The presence of diabetes and/or hypertension can increase risk.
Ethnicity and urban living: In India, glaucoma appears to be underdiagnosed. Some literature indicates that higher urban populations have greater rates.
Most individuals do not notice any symptoms of early glaucoma; thus, these risk factors are pivotal in determining the course of action.
What you can do about prevention and early detection:
Glaucoma treatment can absolutely be done. But avoiding glaucoma can also be a reality. With early detection, the risk of irreversible vision loss can be significantly lowered. For people living in Mumbai, here are some preventative tips:
1. Even if vision seems fine, get regular eye exams.
Because early eye screening is the most effective method when it comes to prevention, and regular eye screening is just as important, here are some guidelines: For individuals over 35 who have risk factors, screening every 1-2 years is suggested. For individuals under 40, screening 2-4 years; For individuals 40-54 years of age, screening 1-3 years; For individuals 55-64 years of age, screening 1-2 years. For individuals over 65, screening is suggested to be 6-12 months.
There are many reasons you might need to see a glaucoma doctor or glaucoma specialist Mumbai, and one of the main reasons it might be especially important for you is because glaucoma can cause damage to your optic nerve without you being able to see it happening.
2. Know your medical history and risk profile
You have a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you’re over the age of 40, have diabetes, have high blood pressure, or if other people in your family have it. Share this risk profile with your eye doctor. Standard eye examinations should include testing for intraocular pressure and visual field defects, and assessment of the optic nerve.
3. Live a healthy lifestyle and avoid being overweight
It’s not just family history and age that have a big impact and contribute to an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Also, there are many things you can actively do (such as avoiding tobacco and managing diabetes, if you have it) to keep yourself healthy and help lower the risk of the disease.
Also, avoid direct trauma to your eyes and protect your eyes from the risk of injury, such as when you’re involved in sporting activities or when there are accidents.
4. Be alert to even the smallest impairments to your vision
Keeping focused and alert to even the smallest impairments to your vision is very important, even if there are no warning signs of glaucoma for some time. Changes in eye vision can be caused by bluish fog, gradual narrowing of vision, or halos around white lights. If you’re having any such changes, see an eye doctor as soon as you can.
5. Don’t miss ongoing follow-up appointments if you are diagnosed.
A glaucoma doctor in Mumbai indicates that after a glaucoma treatment, following their prescribed therapy, whether medicinal or otherwise, is vital for management. In many cases, consistent management after early diagnosis results in preserving vision for a greater number of years.
Summary
Mumbai is one of the largest cities in the world and a big population center of the largest country in the world. Glaucoma is really a stealth and Silent vision predator. Glaucoma is a huge problem in India and has many undiagnosed cases. Thus, India really needs campaigns to raise awareness.
In India, if you are over 35, you should definitely have a comprehensive eye exam with a glaucoma specialist Mumbai, or at least, a trusted doctor. This is really an issue you should take action on for low vision risk. Being proactive to have frequent eye exams is a significant and positive change in reducing low vision.