Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight – Why Early Screening is Key to Preventing Blindness
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world today — yet it remains dangerously underdiagnosed. Known as the “silent thief of sight,” this eye condition often advances without any warning signs, damaging the optic nerve and robbing people of their vision, one nerve fibre at a time.
In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Payal Gupta, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, shed light on the pressing need for early detection, regular screening, and proactive management of this condition. Here's what you need to know about glaucoma, its symptoms, and how to protect your eyes before it's too late.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve — the crucial connection between your eyes and your brain. This damage is most often linked to increased pressure inside the eye, medically known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
Once the optic nerve is damaged, the loss of vision is permanent and irreversible. What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is that it often develops gradually, without pain or visible symptoms in its early stages. By the time most people notice vision changes, more than 40% of their optic nerve fibres may already be destroyed.
Why Glaucoma Is Called the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’
"Glaucoma is often referred to as ‘the silent thief of sight’ because it is asymptomatic in its early stages," explained Dr. Gupta. “In some cases, it may be associated with headaches, blurred vision, eye pain, redness, or seeing coloured halos around lights — but most of the time, people don't realize anything is wrong until significant damage has occurred.”
This is why routine eye examinations are vital — especially for people over the age of 40 or those with a family history of glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
While glaucoma is generally symptomless in its initial phase, it can eventually lead to:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Eye pain (in acute cases)
- Redness in the eye
- Headaches and nausea
- Halos around lights
Dr. Gupta emphasizes, “Since damage to the retinal and optic nerve fibres due to glaucoma is irreversible, no treatment can bring back the already lost vision. Early diagnosis is critical.”
Why Early Detection Matters
Unlike many health conditions that show clear physical signs, glaucoma can go undetected for years. Yet, it is one of the few preventable causes of blindness — if caught early.
“Almost all the treatment modalities in glaucoma aim to slow down the progression of damage,” said Dr. Gupta. “None can reverse the visual field loss that has already occurred. So the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to halt progression and prevent further vision loss.”
This is why regular eye screenings are key, especially for at-risk individuals.
Who Should Get Screened?
According to Dr. Gupta, glaucoma screening should be a routine part of health care for anyone above the age of 40, even if there are no symptoms. In particular, people with a family history of glaucoma are at a significantly higher risk and should undergo screening as early as possible.
Other high-risk groups include:
- People with diabetes
- Individuals with high blood pressure
- Long-term users of steroid medications
- Those with a history of eye injuries or surgeries
What Is Glaucoma Screening?
“Screening is done in apparently healthy individuals with no symptoms,” said Dr. Gupta. “It includes the measurement of eye pressure, a clinical examination of the optic nerve, imaging of the nerve fibre layer, and visual field analysis.”
Here are the common screening tests:
- Tonometry – Measures the internal pressure of the eye
- Ophthalmoscopy – Evaluates the shape and color of the optic nerve
- Perimetry (Visual Field Test) – Checks for missing areas in peripheral vision
- Pachymetry – Measures corneal thickness, which influences eye pressure
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides high-resolution images of optic nerve fibres
These tests are non-invasive, do not involve any blood samples or radiation, and can be done in under 30 minutes by a qualified ophthalmologist.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
The main goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
1. Prescription Eye Drops
These are typically the first line of treatment. They work either by reducing the amount of fluid the eye makes or by improving the drainage of fluid from the eye.
2. Laser Treatment
If eye drops are not effective, laser procedures such as laser trabeculoplasty can help improve fluid drainage and reduce pressure.
3. Surgical Intervention
In advanced or unresponsive cases, glaucoma surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage channel for fluid in the eye. Common surgeries include trabeculectomy and implanting drainage devices.
“Surgery is usually the last resort,” noted Dr. Gupta, “but it can be vision-saving when medical treatment fails.”
Living with Glaucoma
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, it’s important to understand that it is a chronic condition, and lifelong management is essential.
Tips for managing glaucoma:
- Take prescribed eye drops exactly as directed
- Go for regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle — avoid smoking, manage blood pressure and diabetes
- Protect your eyes from injuries and infections
- Talk to your doctor if you experience any new symptoms or vision changes
Why Public Awareness Matters
Despite its severity, public awareness about glaucoma remains alarmingly low — particularly in developing countries like India. Health authorities, eye care providers, and the media need to collaborate to promote routine eye check-ups, especially among older adults and high-risk groups.
Initiatives like World Glaucoma Week, observed every March, aim to highlight the importance of early detection and regular eye care.
“We need to change the narrative,” urged Dr. Gupta. “Glaucoma is preventable — but only if people are aware and take action.”
Final Takeaway: Don’t Wait for Symptoms
Vision loss from glaucoma happens so gradually that many people only notice when it’s already too late. This is what makes glaucoma dangerous — and what makes early screening life-changing.
By making routine eye exams a priority, especially after age 40, you can dramatically reduce your risk of permanent blindness. Glaucoma might be a silent thief, but with regular check-ups, you can catch it before it steals your sight.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified eye specialist for any concerns about your vision or eye health.
