People are more aware of the consequences of blood pressure (BP) and have become health conscious by reducing salt intake and changing food habits.
But, at the same time, not many are aware of another important ‘pressure.’ Eye Pressure (EP) is the buzz word now since ophthalmologists have found that undetected glaucoma is silently causing loss of vision by damaging the optical nerve.
“If the eye pressure increases, this condition is called glaucoma. There are no symptoms for this threatening eye disease and hence people above 40 years should go for eye check-up without fail,” P. Thiagarajan, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Rajaji Hospital, said on Sunday.
If a person had mild headache continuously, he should become alert and go to an eye doctor since it could be the beginning of glaucoma. The intra-ocular pressure should be checked. “By going for an eye test, one can rule out glaucoma. And even if it is detected, early intervention is possible. Seven per cent of total eye complications are glaucoma cases,” he said.
M. Veerasamy, national convenor, National Ophthalmic Associate Association, who is associated with eye camps in rural areas of Madurai district, warned that once the optic nerve got damaged by high-optic pressure then doctors could not repair the eye and restore the vision. “Maintaining normal pressure in the eye is equally important like blood pressure in our body. The normal eye pressure is 10-20 mm/HG. The head of optic nerve will get damaged if pressure increases,” he said.
Dr. Thiagarajan said if there was glaucoma history in the family, a thorough eye check-up must be done.
Mr. Veerasamy cautioned against self-prescription of reading glass. “Fundus examination to check the inner eye, including retina, is a must and we totally discourage painkillers for headache. Glaucoma can be controlled in adults and children by putting eye drops in early stages or by laser surgery, if required,” he added.
