Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss and blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness globally, and it mostly affects people aged 60 and above.

How does it affect vision?

The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. Glaucoma damages this nerve, resulting in vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness.

What is it like to see with glaucoma?

Imagine looking through a tunnel while wearing opaque glasses. That is how vision with glaucoma is usually described.

Although the central vision may remain intact in the early stages of the disease, the peripheral vision gradually deteriorates over time.

As the disease progresses, patients may start to see halos around light or have blurry and hazy vision.

They may also experience difficulty adjusting their eyes to varying lighting conditions, such as going from a brightly lit environment to a dark room.

In advanced cases of glaucoma, affected individuals may develop tunnel vision, where they can only see what is directly in front of them, while everything else is a blur.

This scenario makes it challenging to navigate unfamiliar environments, leading to an increased risk of falls and accidents.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnostic process for glaucoma involves measuring the intraocular pressure, examining the optic nerve, and assessing visual field. Early detection is essential to prevent vision loss.

Therefore, it is vital to have regular eye check-ups, especially for people over 60, those with a family history of glaucoma, and those with diabetes.

Can it be treated?

Although glaucoma does not have a cure, it can be managed to prevent further vision loss. Treatment options include eye drops, pills, and surgery.

Eye drops can help to reduce intraocular pressure, while surgery can create a new drainage channel for the liquid in the eye.

It is important to note that treatment options vary from one patient to another, depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical advice from a qualified ophthalmologist when diagnosed with glaucoma.

How can people simulate what it’s like to see with glaucoma?

While it is impossible to simulate what it is like to have glaucoma accurately, there are ways to simulate the visual disturbances that come with the disease.

One of the most common methods is using an online simulator that mimics the vision loss experienced by people with glaucoma.

The simulator works by reducing the visual field, allowing users to understand how it feels to navigate with limited peripheral vision.

Users can adjust the settings to simulate different stages and types of glaucoma, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma and chronic open-angle glaucoma.

Using a glaucoma simulator can help raise awareness about the disease and promote empathy towards people living with it. Regular use of the simulator can also help people understand the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of glaucoma.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness. Although it has no cure, it can be managed with early detection and prompt treatment.

The best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma is to have regular eye check-ups and seek medical attention when experiencing visual disturbances.

Using a glaucoma simulator can help promote awareness about the disease and empathy towards people living with it. Regular use of the simulator can also help people understand the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of glaucoma.