Imagine a thief that doesn’t break into your home but quietly creeps into your life, slowly and silently robbing you of one of your most precious senses—your eyesight. It doesn’t cause pain, doesn’t leave visible marks, and by the time you realize something is wrong, the damage is often beyond repair. This silent intruder is glaucoma—rightly called the “silent thief of sight.”

In a diverse and vibrant country like India, where vision is central to daily living—from navigating crowded streets to enjoying cultural festivals and watching our loved ones grow—losing your eyesight is life-altering. Yet, glaucoma continues to quietly affect millions. It is estimated that nearly 12 million Indians suffer from glaucoma, making it a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the country. What’s even more alarming is that the majority of these individuals don’t even know they have it. Referred to locally as “Kala Motia,” glaucoma often remains undetected until significant and irreversible vision loss has occurred.

This blog is written to help every Indian family understand glaucoma, who is at risk, how to detect it early, and how it can be managed. The goal is to equip you with practical, life-saving knowledge so you can protect your eyes and the eyesight of your loved ones. Because your vision is not just about seeing—it’s about living.

Understanding Glaucoma: The Silent Thief (Kala Motia)

What is Glaucoma and How Does it Affect the Eye?

Glaucoma is not just one disease. It is a group of eye conditions that all lead to a common outcome—damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve acts like a data cable connecting your eye to your brain. It sends the images you see from your retina to your brain so that you can make sense of the world around you.

This critical nerve can become damaged when the pressure inside your eye becomes too high. This pressure, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), builds up when the fluid inside the eye (called aqueous humour) cannot drain out properly. Think of it like a clogged sink where the water can’t flow out, causing pressure to build.

Over time, this pressure damages the optic nerve fibres, leading to blind spots in your vision. In advanced cases, it can even lead to total blindness. But here’s the catch—some types of glaucoma can occur even when eye pressure is normal. This form, called normal-tension glaucoma, may be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Regardless of the type, the outcome is the same: gradual and permanent loss of vision, especially in the side (peripheral) vision.

Glaucoma usually affects your peripheral vision first, meaning you might not notice any change in your central vision initially. That’s what makes it so dangerous—by the time you realize something is wrong, much of your vision may already be lost.

Why Is It Called the "Silent Thief of Sight"?

The name fits perfectly. Unlike other eye problems that cause pain, redness, or immediate blurriness, glaucoma progresses quietly. The most common form—primary open-angle glaucoma—develops slowly and without any warning signs. The brain adjusts to the vision changes, and most people don’t notice anything until a lot of damage is already done.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may appear—difficulty seeing in dim light, bumping into things, or feeling like you’re looking through a tunnel. Unfortunately, by this point, the damage to the optic nerve is often permanent and cannot be reversed.

That’s why relying on symptoms is risky. Regular, proactive eye check-ups are the only way to detect glaucoma early and save your eyesight.

Are You at Risk? Understanding Glaucoma Risk Factors for Indians

Age, Family History, and Ethnicity

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but some people are at a higher risk. In India, people above the age of 40 are more vulnerable. As you age, the risk of developing glaucoma increases significantly. This makes regular eye exams essential for adults, particularly after crossing 40.

Your family history matters too. If a parent, grandparent, or sibling has glaucoma, your chances of getting it increase. That’s because genetics plays a big role in how likely you are to develop this condition.

Moreover, people of Asian descent, including Indians, are more likely to develop certain aggressive forms of glaucoma, such as angle-closure glaucoma. These forms can progress rapidly and need urgent treatment. So if glaucoma runs in your family, take it seriously and get your eyes tested regularly.

The Hidden Dangers: Diabetes, Blood Pressure, and Steroid Eye Drops

Chronic health conditions that are common in India—especially diabetes and high blood pressure—also increase the risk of glaucoma. These conditions damage the tiny blood vessels that supply the optic nerve, making it more prone to injury from pressure buildup.

But one of the most overlooked dangers in our country is the misuse of steroid-based eye drops. These drops are often used without prescription to treat redness or itching. What many people don’t realize is that long-term or unsupervised use of steroid eye drops can dangerously raise intraocular pressure, leading to a condition called steroid-induced glaucoma. This is completely preventable. Never use eye drops without consulting an ophthalmologist. Doing so can mean the difference between healthy vision and permanent blindness.

Early Detection is the Best Protection: Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

What Happens During a Glaucoma Screening?

Since glaucoma doesn’t show early symptoms, a detailed eye check-up is the only way to detect it in time. A glaucoma screening involves several painless tests done by an ophthalmologist.

First, a test called tonometry is done to measure the pressure inside your eye. It may involve a small puff of air or a gentle touch on the surface of the eye. Then, the doctor examines your optic nerve using a special light and lens in a process called ophthalmoscopy. Another important test, called perimetry, checks how well you can see objects in your side vision.

More advanced clinics may use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which gives a detailed image of your optic nerve and can detect even minor changes.

These tests are simple, safe, and usually completed in under an hour. But the value they offer is lifelong—they help catch glaucoma before it causes any noticeable vision loss.

When Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

In India, adults over 40 should ideally get their eyes tested every one to two years. However, if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, or use steroid eye drops, then annual or even half-yearly check-ups may be recommended.

Don’t wait for symptoms like eye pain, blurry vision, or seeing halos around lights. By the time these appear, it might already be too late to save the lost vision. Protecting your eyesight starts with simple but regular eye check-ups.

Managing Glaucoma: How to Preserve Your Vision

Medical Treatments: Eye Drops, Laser, and Surgery

Although glaucoma damage can’t be reversed, its progression can be slowed or even stopped if caught early. The most common treatment starts with prescribed eye drops. These help either to reduce the production of fluid in the eye or to improve its drainage. They must be used regularly—skipping doses can make the treatment ineffective.

If eye drops don’t control the pressure well enough, laser procedures like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) are used. These treatments improve drainage in the eye and are usually painless and done on an outpatient basis.

In severe cases, surgery might be needed. Procedures like trabeculectomy or the use of drainage implants help create a new path for fluid to leave the eye. Newer techniques, like Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), are also being used in advanced hospitals and offer good results with quicker recovery.

The key to all treatment is regular follow-up. Glaucoma is a lifelong condition and requires consistent management.

Healthy Lifestyle: Supporting Your Eye Health Naturally

A healthy lifestyle supports medical treatment and keeps your eyes in better condition. Eat a diet rich in green vegetables like spinach and methi, fruits like oranges and amla, and foods high in omega-3 like walnuts and fish. These foods support optic nerve health.

Exercise also helps reduce eye pressure. A 30-minute walk five times a week can make a real difference. Avoid heavy lifting and head-down yoga postures that may increase pressure in your eyes.

Don’t ignore stress either. Chronic stress may worsen eye conditions, so relax with yoga, meditation, or even a quiet walk. But remember, lifestyle changes support your eye health—they don’t replace medical treatment.

Always speak to your doctor before making major changes to your routine.

Important Insights

Glaucoma isn’t just a disease of old age. Even children can be born with it—this is called congenital glaucoma. Early eye tests for children are just as important.

Steroid misuse is a major cause of glaucoma in India. Never use eye drops from a chemist without a proper prescription.

Unlike cataracts, where surgery can restore vision, any sight lost from glaucoma is permanent. That’s why early diagnosis is everything.

Protect Your Vision Before It’s Too Late

Glaucoma doesn’t have to lead to blindness. With the right knowledge, timely action, and regular eye screenings, it can be managed effectively. Whether you're over 40, have diabetes, a family history, or simply want to take care of your eyes—now is the time to act.

Book a comprehensive eye check-up today. Your vision allows you to work, travel, enjoy moments with family, and live life fully. Don’t let the silent thief take that away from you.

FAQs

Q1: What is Kala Motia?

It is the common term in India for glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve.

Q2: Can Glaucoma be cured completely?

No, but early treatment can stop further vision loss.

Q3: Are steroid eye drops harmful?

Yes, using them without a doctor's advice can raise eye pressure and cause glaucoma.

Q4: When should I start getting eye check-ups?

If you’re above 40 or have risk factors, get tested every 1–2 years.

Q5: Is diabetes linked to glaucoma?

Yes, diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma.

Q6: What are the early signs of glaucoma?

Most types show no early symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are essential.

Q7: Can diet and exercise help?

Yes, a healthy diet and regular exercise support eye health but don’t replace medical treatment.

Q8: How often should I get tested?

Every 1–2 years if you are over 40, or more frequently if at high risk.

Q9: Is glaucoma hereditary?

Yes, a family history increases your risk significantly.

Q10: Are government schemes available?

Yes, schemes like Ayushman Bharat and others offer subsidized eye care in India.