Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A recent screening conducted during World Glaucoma Day in the state found that 36 percent of patients tested were in the primary stages of glaucoma.
Doctors warn that the disease often remains undetected until later stages and attribute its rising prevalence to prolonged exposure to digital screens, including televisions, computers and mobile phones.
In the digital era, people increasingly rely on screens for work, entertainment and communication.
While these devices have become an integral part of daily life, they also pose serious risks to eye health. One of the most concerning dangers linked to excessive screen time is the increased risk of glaucoma.
According to experts, when intraocular pressure (IOP) reaches or exceeds 16 mmHg, it is considered a borderline indicator of primary glaucoma. If left untreated, elevated IOP or ocular hypertension can lead to vision loss.
Shahdol Chief Medical Health and Officer (CMHO) Dr. A.K. Lal said that early stages of glaucoma begin when eye pressure reaches 16 mmHg, but patients often neglect the symptoms.
Over the next few years, this pressure can rise to 19 mmHg, gradually worsening the condition. He urged the government to launch an awareness campaign against glaucoma and advised people with a family history of eye problems to be extra cautious and seek regular ophthalmic check-ups.
Dr. Sumit Rawat from Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, said that glaucoma symptoms often go unnoticed in the initial stages, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection.
He said that doctors use medications, laser treatments and surgical procedures to prevent or slow down vision deterioration.
He also pointed out that prolonged screen use contributes to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition that causes eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck or shoulder pain.
Dr Shashi Jain, Shyam Shah Medical College (Rewa) ophthalmology department head said, “Glaucoma is increasing at an alarming rate. Even up to 75% of family members have been found to be suffering from glaucoma.
So, if one member is detected with glaucoma symptoms, we check up all the family members. In addition to eye pressure, nerves’ dryness also play major role for glaucoma.”
