What do Bono and Whoopi Goldberg have in common?

Yes, you guessed it, they both have glaucoma, the “sneak thief of sight”! In a nutshell, it occurs when elevated or even normal eye pressure affects the health of the optic nerve, the vital nerve for sight in our eyes.

Vision loss, in the majority of cases, occurs gradually and is often only recognised when the disease is quite advanced. That is right, you could have glaucoma and not even know it! You might occasionally get vague headaches, halos, and blurred vision at night.

A close connection to genetics has been established by contemporary research. Therefore, you should see your optometrist annually starting at age 50 if you have a sibling, parent, or first-degree relative who has glaucoma. Low blood pressure during the night is also known to be associated with obstructive sleep apnea. There have also been reports of lifestyle factors, such as the use of inversion poses in yoga and tight goggles when swimming. Yes, headstands or handstands are what I mean.

One of the areas of ophthalmology that is developing the fastest is glaucoma treatment. To reduce eye pressure and minimise optic nerve damage, a methodical and focused approach is used. Glaucoma treatment involves balancing fluid inflow and outflow, much like complex plumbing.

The treatment of glaucoma now involves more than just pressure-lowering drops. SLT, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and laser treatment for glaucoma are some of the innovative treatment options that have been made possible by advances in glaucoma research. The treatment is safe, effective, efficient, and conveniently done in rooms. The results have been consistent, backed by a body of clinical data. Occasionally, a combination of drops and laser treatment is required. Should management need to be scaled up, the surgical option is MIGS, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.