Glaucoma Awareness: Why Regular Eye Exams Are Crucial After 40

Even if your vision appears perfectly fine, when was the last time you had a comprehensive eye examination? This critical question is posed by Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher and Founder of Dr. Mahajan's Hospital & Industrial Trauma Centre in Navi Mumbai. He emphasizes that millions suffer from glaucoma, a condition that progresses slowly, painlessly, and without warning until irreversible vision damage has already begun.

The Silent Threat of Glaucoma

With our increasingly digital lifestyles, adults over 40 need to prioritize eye health more than ever. As age-related eye problems develop, glaucoma stands out as particularly concerning because it develops gradually and often remains undetected for extended periods. Dr. Rani Memon, MBBS, MS, FRCS (Edin), Senior Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon at Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals, explains to TOI Health that Indian studies indicate approximately 12 million adults in India are living with glaucoma, with prevalence increasing with age.

"Thanks to improved eye care and expanded screening across urban and semi-urban regions of India, medical professionals are now stressing awareness of early signs that can lead to timely diagnosis and long-term prevention of vision loss," Dr. Memon states.

Understanding Glaucoma: The Optic Nerve Damage

Glaucoma refers to a group of disorders that damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. While typically associated with elevated intraocular pressure, glaucoma can develop even with normal pressure readings. This nerve damage causes progressive vision loss over time, usually starting with peripheral vision before affecting central sight.

Individuals over 40, those with high blood pressure or diabetes, and people with a family history of the condition should be particularly vigilant about routine eye examinations. Understanding the myths and facts surrounding this condition is essential for proper eye care management.

Debunking Common Glaucoma Myths

January is recognized as Glaucoma Awareness Month, and Dr. Pradeep Mahajan addresses several prevalent misconceptions:

Myth: Only elderly people are affected by glaucoma
Myth: A normal eye with no pain is considered healthy
Myth: People with good vision cannot have glaucoma
Myth: Vision lost due to glaucoma can be restored
Myth: Glaucoma is only caused by excessive eye pressure

Dr. Mahajan clarifies that glaucoma can occur at any life stage, though it's more likely after 40. In its early or intermediate phases, glaucoma rarely causes pain. He emphasizes that testing remains the only reliable method to identify early glaucoma, which can indeed affect individuals with good vision. Current treatments cannot restore lost vision but can halt disease progression. Damage can occur even in apparently normal eyes, making regular examinations crucial for early detection.

Recognizing the Subtle Symptoms

"As glaucoma can suddenly compromise eyesight, early identification and proper treatment can significantly reduce vision loss risks," explains Dr. Mahajan. "After 40, it's vital to recognize symptoms like impaired vision or loss of side vision and consult a doctor promptly rather than waiting for pain to develop. Discussing novel or cutting-edge treatments with your ophthalmologist is equally important. Your eyes are precious, and protecting them begins with awareness, timely action, and regular care."

So what exactly are the symptoms of glaucoma? Dr. Rani Memon notes that patients often have normal vision during initial optic nerve degeneration stages. "They might report minor vision changes but typically don't consider them serious. When patients with these early signs visit hospitals, doctors can effectively control eye pressure, slow disease advancement, and help preserve vision. Understanding these subtle early changes is critical since glaucoma often progresses silently without obvious symptoms."

Common Glaucoma Symptoms to Watch For

Vision that feels slightly blurred at times: While adults often attribute unusual vision blurring to aging or screen fatigue, this could signal early eye changes indicating glaucoma onset. Since glaucoma seldom affects central vision initially, subtle changes like repeated unexplained blurring episodes tend to be overlooked.
Seeing halos around lights, especially in low light: While driving at night, street lights and car headlights often create halos and glare. For some, this relates to eye pressure or fluid drainage changes. Halos alone don't indicate glaucoma, but persistent or worsening occurrences warrant thorough investigation through eye exams with pressure and angle measurements.
Reduced awareness of side vision: Glaucoma typically affects peripheral vision first, which many don't recognize as vision loss. Individuals might describe decreased environmental awareness, frequent object collisions, step misjudgments, or discomfort in crowded spaces. These subtle changes, though often overlooked, can be early glaucoma indicators.
Headaches that seem linked to eye strain: Headaches and eye strain are common among adults spending extensive time before screens. While often attributed to fatigue, recurring pressure-like headaches can sometimes indicate underlying eye issues and shouldn't be ignored. Eye examinations can identify strain causes and detect serious concerns.
A dull ache or pressure-like sensation in the eye: Some patients describe pressure or heaviness in one or both eyes. These discomforts that come and go are easily ignored but should be evaluated, especially when accompanied by visual changes.
Redness with reduced visual comfort: Frequent red eyes after exposure to dry environments and pollution aren't unusual. However, if vision becomes bothersome with accompanying discomfort, increased light sensitivity, or light discomfort, repeated self-treatment should be avoided. In some glaucomatous cases, timely intervention is crucial to prevent complications.
Eye pain with nausea or sudden visual disturbance: While unusual, this combination is significant. Eye discomfort alongside vision blurriness and nausea can suggest intraocular pressure changes. These situations require urgent care so doctors can administer medications or address visual disturbances.

The Importance of Routine Screening After 40

"Clinical data reveal that even in asymptomatic individuals, glaucoma prevalence is particularly high after 40," states Dr. Rani Memon. "With routine optic nerve assessment and pressure testing, more comprehensive evaluations can track, assist, and help develop management strategies for patients. Identifying early disease signs is essential for empowering adults to ensure timely intervention, aligning with India's increasing focus on preventive ophthalmology and active aging."

Medical Experts Consulted

This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by:

Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher & Founder of Dr. Mahajan's Hospital & Industrial Trauma Centre, Navi Mumbai
Dr. Rani Memon, MBBS, MS, FRCS (Edin), Senior Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon, Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals

Inputs were used to explain what glaucoma is, its common symptoms, and why debunking common myths is important.