According to WHO, glaucoma is the prime cause for irreversible blindness in

India. Glaucoma Diagnosis Gap in India highlights, about 1.2 million have been
rendered blind and at least 12 million are affected. Glaucoma is a condition
where an accumulation of fluid in the eye increases the intraocular pressure
resulting in optic nerve damage. The prevalence of glaucoma increases with
age. In India, there is a gap in glaucoma diagnosis that needs to be bridged by
increasing awareness about the disease.
There are two types of glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, and angle-
closure glaucoma. Primary open angle glaucoma is the more common of the
two. The latter could entail an acute angle closure attack and the patient may
need immediate help from an ophthalmologist for appropriate treatment
including laser iridotomy. Primary open angle glaucoma is painless and
develops gradually (is asymptomatic), hence the person does not perceive any
changes in the vision in the early stage. The affected person realizes the change
in vision only after glaucoma has brought about significant damage to the optic
nerve.
Importance of Glaucoma Diagnosis
In India, almost 90 percent of those affected by the disease go undiagnosed.
This gap in glaucoma diagnosis is alarming and early detection is crucial to
prevent permanent blindness in patients. To detect any early signs of optic
nerve damage due to open-angle glaucoma, ophthalmologists recommend
regular eye exams to their patients. To be treated successfully, timely detection
of the disease is critical.
In both, urban and rural India, awareness initiatives regarding risk factors and
the importance of regular eye check-ups are the need of the hour. In rural
regions, there is a scarcity of both awareness and qualified ophthalmologists
who can detect and treat the condition. In the preferred practice patterns of the
American Academy of Ophthalmology, comprehensive eye examinations are
recommended for regular patients to rule out glaucoma after the age of 40
years. However, this does not happen as a routine in India. Hence awareness
about glaucoma and the need for comprehensive checkup needs to be
emphasized.
Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques
General ophthalmologists or sub-specialists carry out diagnoses for glaucoma in
India. Treatment is customized and may vary based on the type of glaucoma.
To detect glaucoma, eye-specialists carry out a series of tests to check the
extent of the damage. The three screening tests comprise of the intraocular
pressure, gonioscopy (a test to check the fluid drainage channels in the eye),
examination of the optic nerve (nerve that connects the eye to the brain), and a
test to check for non-seeing areas (scotomas) in the patient’s field of vision.
Once diagnosed, open-angle glaucoma is treated with eye drops to alleviate the
pressure in the eye. The patient must diligently take the eye drops life long as
prescribed by the treating doctor. If the eye drops do not help to control
glaucoma, the specialist may suggest alternatives like laser or surgery.
Individuals interested in understanding the diagnosis, treatment, and
management of glaucoma can sign up for our ICO certified course. It covers
topics including pathophysiology of glaucoma, intraocular pressure,
gonioscopy, disc evaluation, visual field testing, role of imaging, medical
management and surgical options and management.
This article is based on series of free videos lectures by DocMode which is beneficial
for medical students, practicing doctors, nurses, medical teachers, medical
representatives, students appearing for medical entrance exams, medical interns,
pharmacy students etc. If you want to watch more videos, you can add our WhatsApp
no +91-9222086563 in your group & we will be sending you videos which will help
you learn more.

Tags: Glaucoma Diagnosis free video lectures, Open Angle Glaucoma course, Open
Angle Glaucoma eye doctor, Glaucoma Diagnosis courses, Glaucoma Diagnosis course
fees, online course Open Angle Glaucoma, free Open Angle Glaucoma course online,
medical course, medical terminology course.

Contact Us :

Mobile No : +91 9222086563