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Glaucoma: Why Regular Eye Pressure Checks Matter

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the nerve that carries what the eye sees to the brain. It is one of the leading causes of permanent vision loss, and the most common type develops slowly, often without any pain or early symptoms. By the time a person notices a problem, some vision may already be lost. That is why regular eye checks matter.

Why It Is Called a “Silent” Condition

In the most common form, side (peripheral) vision is affected first, and the other eye often makes up for it. Central vision can stay clear for a long time. Lost vision cannot be restored, but treatment can usually slow or stop further damage — so finding it early makes a real difference.

Who Is at Higher Risk

• People over 40
• Those with a parent, brother or sister with glaucoma
• People with diabetes or high blood pressure
• People with high short-sightedness (myopia)
• People who are long-sighted (hypermetropia), who have a higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma
• People who use steroid medicines long term, including steroid eye drops
• People who have had an eye injury

How Glaucoma Is Found

A glaucoma check involves more than one test. An eye specialist may use:

• Tonometry — measures the pressure inside the eye
• Optic nerve examination and OCT — look at the nerve and the layer of nerve fibres for damage
• Visual field test — maps side vision
• Gonioscopy — checks the drainage angle of the eye

Eye pressure on its own is not enough: some people have glaucoma with normal pressure. How often to be checked depends on your age and risk — your eye specialist will advise.

How It Is Treated

Treatment aims to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve. It usually starts with eye drops, used every day exactly as prescribed. Laser treatment or surgery may be advised for some people. Regular follow-up is essential, because treatment may need to change over time.

A Sudden Attack Is an Emergency

Angle-closure glaucoma is relatively common in India. It is often silent too, but sometimes an acute attack comes on suddenly with severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache, nausea or vomiting. This needs emergency care straight away. People who have been told they have narrow angles should check with their eye specialist before starting new medicines, as some can trigger an attack.

Eye Pressure Checks at Home

For older adults and people who find travelling difficult, OSVI Healthcare offers eye check-ups and eye-pressure checks at home, with further tests and treatment at partner eye hospitals when they are needed.

This article is provided for general information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every patient’s situation is different — please consult a qualified doctor for guidance specific to you. In a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.