Press release
When we think about eye diseases in Bihar, motiyabind or cataract is usually the most commonly known condition. But another dangerous eye disease, often less understood by the general public, is glaucoma, known locally as kala motiyabind (https://www.akhandjyoti.com/blog/all-about-Glaucoma-kala-motiyabind). Unlike cataract, which causes cloudy vision but is easily treatable, glaucoma silently damages the optic nerve and can cause irreversible blindness if not detected early. This makes awareness extremely important, especially in regions where regular eye check-ups are not a common habit.
● What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. Most of the time, this damage is caused by an increase in the pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. However, glaucoma can also occur even when eye pressure is normal, making it more complex than commonly believed. Since the optic nerve damage typically happens slowly and quietly, glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight."
● Why Is It Called 'Kala Motiyabind'?
In Bihar and many parts of India, glaucoma is popularly called kala motiyabind because it gradually steals vision without making the eye visibly white or cloudy like cataract (safed motiyabind). The major difference between the two lies in where the problem occurs. Cataract affects the eye's natural lens, making it cloudy, while glaucoma affects the optic nerve at the back of the eye. Cataract surgery restores vision almost immediately, but vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored. Understanding this basic difference helps people recognise that glaucoma is far more dangerous if ignored.
● How Glaucoma Damages the Eye
The eye continuously produces a nourishing fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid normally drains out through a natural filtration channel. When this drainage is blocked or becomes inefficient, the fluid builds up inside the eye and increases the pressure. This pressure slowly compresses and damages the optic nerve. In some individuals, especially those with diabetes or poor blood circulation, the optic nerve becomes weak even at normal eye pressure. Regardless of the cause, once the optic nerve is damaged, the resulting vision loss is permanent.
● Types
Glaucoma comes in several forms, and understanding them helps doctors decide the best treatment plan.
The most common form is Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), which develops gradually over many years. The drainage system becomes less efficient, causing slow pressure buildup. People notice no early symptoms, and vision loss occurs little by little. Many glaucoma patients in Bihar fall into this category simply because they never had a detailed eye examination until the disease was advanced.
Another type is Angle-Closure Glaucoma, which occurs when the drainage angle suddenly gets blocked. This leads to a rapid and dangerous rise in eye pressure. Patients may experience severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and redness. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Then there is Normal-Tension Glaucoma, where the optic nerve gets damaged even though the eye pressure remains within normal limits. This is often linked to poor blood circulation, diabetes, hypertension, and genetic factors, conditions commonly seen in Bihar.
Some people develop Secondary Glaucoma due to eye injuries, inflammation, excessive use of steroid medications, or advanced cataract. Many labourers, farmers, and factory workers in Bihar face higher risk because of frequent eye trauma and lack of protective eyewear.
Babies and young children can also develop Congenital Glaucoma, where abnormal development of the drainage system increases eye pressure from birth. Such children may have watery eyes, sensitivity to light, or enlarged eye size. Early treatment is critical to save their sight.
● Symptoms
One of the major challenges of glaucoma is that it often has no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, however, patients may experience gradual loss of peripheral vision, blurred or hazy vision, difficulty seeing in low light, halos around lights, frequent changes in their glasses prescription, and, in cases of closed-angle glaucoma, headaches or eye pain. Since these symptoms typically appear late, regular eye examinations, particularly after age 40-are crucial for early detection and prevention of vision loss.
● Who Is at Risk, Especially in Bihar?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk, including individuals over 40, those with a family history of the disease, people with diabetes, which is increasingly common in Bihar, high blood pressure, previous eye injuries, prolonged steroid use (through injections, inhalers, or creams), and those with extreme refractive errors requiring very high-power spectacles. In Bihar, rising diabetes rates, limited awareness, and irregular health check-ups often lead to late diagnosis, making early detection crucial for preventing vision loss.
● How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed
To detect glaucoma, eye specialists use a combination of tests. Eye pressure is measured using a test called tonometry. The optic nerve structure is examined using specialised lenses or imaging techniques. A visual field test helps measure side vision, which is usually the first part affected. An OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan provides detailed images of the optic nerve layers. Gonioscopy allows the doctor to examine the drainage angle inside the eye. These painless tests together help determine the severity and type of glaucoma.
● Treatment Options for Glaucoma
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but timely treatment can prevent further damage. Doctors usually begin with medicated eye drops that lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production or improving drainage. If eye drops alone are not enough, oral medications may be used temporarily.
Laser procedures are also popular and effective. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) helps improve drainage in open-angle glaucoma, while Laser Iridotomy is used for angle-closure cases. These procedures are quick, painless, and often performed in the outpatient department.
When medications and lasers are not sufficient, surgery is recommended. Common procedures include Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices, and newer minimally invasive techniques called MIGS. These surgeries create alternative pathways for fluid drainage, helping maintain healthy eye pressure.
● Conclusion
Glaucoma, is a serious eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Because it progresses silently, many people in Bihar discover it only when significant damage has already occurred. With early detection, timely treatment, and disciplined follow-up checkups, glaucoma can be controlled effectively. If you or someone in your family is above 40, diabetic, hypertensive, or experiencing changes in vision, a glaucoma screening can help protect and preserve your eyesight before it's too late.
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