World Glaucoma Day, noticed on March twelfth yearly, goals to lift consciousness about glaucoma, a number one reason for irreversible blindness, particularly amongst people with diabetes who’re at the next danger of growing glaucoma. The day highlights the significance of normal eye check-ups to detect and handle glaucoma early, underscoring the necessity for world collaboration to fight this sight-threatening illness.
Dr Girish Parmar, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology & Diabetes, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital says, “India, often termed the ‘diabetes capital’ of the world, faces a staggering health challenge with approximately 77 million individuals affected by diabetes. Shockingly, this number is projected to skyrocket to 147.2 million by 2045, as per estimates by the International Diabetes Federation. Beyond its impact on blood sugar levels, diabetes significantly influences eye health, elevating the risk of conditions like glaucoma.”
In this text, let’s delve into the intricate connection between diabetes and glaucoma, emphasizing the criticality of early detection and proactive administration.
Link Between Diabetes and Glaucoma
Dr Girish provides, “Diabetes casts a shadow of vulnerability over various eye ailments, with glaucoma emerging as a prominent concern. Glaucoma encompasses a cluster of eye disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve, imperative for vision, often due to heightened pressure within the eye. A study titled the Spectrum of Eye Disease in Diabetes (SPEED) conducted in India revealed that approximately 4.9% of individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) grapple with glaucoma. Furthermore, the risk amplifies with age, particularly among individuals surpassing the age of 40, and is intricately linked with diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage stemming from diabetes.”
Identifying Risk Factors and Early Symptoms Of Glaucoma
“Various factors contribute to the heightened susceptibility of diabetic patients to develop glaucoma, including genetic predisposition, advancing age, and the duration of diabetes. Early symptoms of glaucoma may manifest subtly, such as a gradual loss of peripheral vision or blurred vision. Nonetheless, in numerous instances, glaucoma progresses stealthily, exhibiting no discernible symptoms until substantial damage ensues, underscoring the imperative need for routine eye examinations to facilitate early detection”, additional highlights Dr Girish.
Glaucoma Management and Prevention
Dr Girish Parmar recommends, “Efficient management of diabetes serves as the cornerstone for mitigating the risk of glaucoma. This entails meticulous regulation of blood sugar levels, regular monitoring of ocular health, and embracing a wholesome lifestyle. Technological innovations like optical coherence tomography (OCT) play a pivotal role in the timely identification of glaucomatous alterations within the eye.”
“For diabetic individuals, especially those aged 40 and above, comprehensive eye evaluations stand as a proactive measure to screen for glaucoma and other ocular ailments. Early detection coupled with prompt intervention holds the potential to forestall vision loss and enhance overall well-being”, concludes Dr Parmar.
Source: zeenews.india.com
