Cataract & Refractive Eye Surgeon
EyeLens Hospital, Seawoods, Navi MumbaiMany patients are surprised when I tell them they have high eye pressure. A common response I hear is, “Doctor, my vision feels perfectly fine. How can something be wrong?” This is exactly why glaucoma is dangerous. It often develops silently, without pain or early symptoms, while slowly damaging the optic nerve, which is essential for vision.
Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases and starts affecting the optic nerve . In the early stages, there may be no redness, no pain, and no noticeable change in vision. Side vision is usually affected first, and patients often realise something is wrong only after significant damage has already occurred.
People above the age of 40, those with diabetes or high blood pressure, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, and patients who have used steroid eye drops for a long time are at higher risk. However, glaucoma can also occur in younger people, which is why routine eye check-ups are important even if there are no complaints.
As the disease progresses, some patients may notice gradual narrowing of side vision, difficulty seeing in low light, or frequent changes in spectacle power. Sudden eye pain, redness, headache, or seeing halos around lights can be warning signs of a sudden rise in eye pressure and require urgent medical attention.
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be well controlled if detected early. Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure using eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery, depending on the severity. Regular follow-up is essential to protect the remaining vision.
My message to patients is simple: clear vision does not always mean healthy eyes. A routine eye pressure check can help detect glaucoma early and prevent permanent vision loss.
Dr. Sonal Hinge
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