Every year, from March 12 to 18, the world observes **World Glaucoma Week**. The goal is simple: help ordinary people understand a disease that can quietly steal their eyesight. In Nepal too, hospitals and eye doctors use this week to spread awareness. Here's an easy-to-understand guide to glaucoma — what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma (known locally as *Jalbindu*) is one of the leading causes of blindness in Nepal and around the world — often ranked second or third. It happens when the pressure inside your eye rises too high.
Your eye normally has a fluid called **aqueous humor** flowing in and out of it. Healthy eye pressure sits between 10 and 20 mmHg. But if this fluid doesn't drain properly, pressure builds up inside the eye. Over time, that pressure damages the optic nerve — the nerve that carries images from your eye to your brain. This is why glaucoma is also called a type of **optic neuropathy**.
Common Symptoms
Glaucoma comes in a few forms. The two most common types are:
- **Open-angle glaucoma** — the most widespread type, affecting roughly 1–2% of people globally
- **Angle-closure glaucoma** — less common but can strike suddenly
- **Congenital glaucoma** — present at birth, though rare (about 1 in 10,000 people)
The tricky part about glaucoma is that **it usually shows no early warning signs**. Since regular eye checkups aren't common for many people, the disease is often discovered only after real damage has occurred.
As it progresses, you might notice:
- Headaches
- Trouble seeing while walking or driving, or bumping into things on your left or right
- Colorful, rainbow-like rings around lights
- A sudden need to change your glasses prescription
If the angle of the eye closes suddenly, symptoms can include blurred vision, severe headache, vomiting, eye redness, and a sudden drop in vision — this is a medical emergency.
Glaucoma in Nepal
Detailed research on glaucoma in Nepal is limited, but available data suggests that around 1% of the population is affected. Most cases seen in hospitals are **primary open-angle glaucoma**, followed by **primary angle-closure glaucoma**. After cataracts, glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the country.
Can Glaucoma Be Treated?
Here's the most important thing to understand: **damage already caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed.** Treatment focuses on stopping further damage, which is why early detection matters so much.
People over 40 should get their eyes checked every 6 months to a year. Catching high eye pressure early makes a huge difference in preserving vision.
Common treatments, usually tried in this order:
1. **Eye drops** to lower eye pressure
2. **Oral tablets** if drops aren't enough
3. **Injections** for more urgent pressure control
4. **Surgery** if the drainage angle of the eye is closed
Who Is More at Risk?
Certain health conditions and habits raise your risk of developing glaucoma:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Long-term steroid use
- Thyroid problems
- Chronic stress and excessive worry
- A family history of glaucoma
- High minus-power eyeglass prescriptions (nearsightedness beyond -6)
Managing these risk factors can lower your chances of developing the disease.
Living With Glaucoma: What Patients Should Do
If you've been diagnosed with glaucoma:
- Follow your doctor's schedule for regular checkups
- Track changes in your field of vision over time
- Monitor whether your eye pressure stays under control
- Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly
Consistent follow-up and pressure control are the two most important habits for protecting your remaining vision.
How to Protect Yourself
- If glaucoma runs in your family, get tested — don't wait for symptoms
- Get routine eye exams, especially after age 40
- Because glaucoma is often called a "silent thief of sight," don't assume no symptoms means no risk
- Seek immediate medical care if you get sudden headaches, eye pain, or blurred vision
References
- [World Health Organization – Blindness and Vision Impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment)
- [National Eye Institute (NIH) – Glaucoma](https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma)
- [Mayo Clinic – Glaucoma Overview](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839)
- [World Glaucoma Association – World Glaucoma Week](https://www.worldglaucoma.org/)
*Note: This article is for general awareness only and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. Anyone with symptoms or risk factors should consult an eye specialist.*
