Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” Glaucoma is a complex medical condition that can be perplexing for patients. 

Unlike many other eye diseases, Glaucoma quietly damages the optic nerve over an extended period, often going unnoticed. 

It is a common concern among Glaucoma patients to wonder, “Does Glaucoma cause blindness?” 

However, the connection between Glaucoma and blindness is not straightforward, and gaining a deeper understanding of this relationship is crucial.

Let us look deeper at this and comprehend how Glaucoma is related to vision loss.

Can Glaucoma cause blindness

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve, which links the eye to the brain, which can cause partial loss of vision or even blindness.

One of the factors that leads to blindness is the non-symptomatic nature of Glaucoma at its early stages.

Over half of all Glaucoma cases remain undiagnosed as it is barely noticeable at an early stage.

Other factors contributing to Glaucoma blindness include underestimating severity, non-rigorous intervention, and poor follow-ups.

There is no cure for Glaucoma, and only preventive measures are available, so early treatment is the key.

However, Glaucoma always results in some visual impairment, if not complete blindness.

Fact:
Most Glaucoma cases do not involve complete vision loss but some degree of peripheral vision loss along with blurry vision and the need for more light to see normally.

How long does it take to go blind from Glaucoma

Glaucoma take different periods to progress toward blindness
Blind from Glaucoma

Many factors determine how quickly you can go blind from Glaucoma.

Different types of Glaucoma take different periods to progress toward blindness.

For instance, Open-angled Glaucoma, where the drainage channels are partially blocked, takes years to develop and causes blindness.

The fluid pressure inside the eyes (Intraocular Pressure) determines how fast blindness sets in.

Higher pressure leads to faster damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness.

Time is not the only factor that determines if you can go blind from Glaucoma, as physiological factors and medical intervention are more influential.

Warning:
Glaucoma is a threat to your vision, and delaying treatment is never an option. It is absolutely crucial to prioritize taking your medications, attending follow-up appointments, and adhering to your treatments, as the consequences of untreated glaucoma are both permanent and severe.

Does everyone with Glaucoma go blind

If not controlled, Glaucoma can result in blindness in at least one eye in over 50% of all cases.

However, for most people, Glaucoma does not lead to blindness if treated and managed early.

Many treatment choices are available that prevent Glaucoma from further reducing your eyesight.

Medical intervention cannot bring back the lost vision, but it can help protect your remaining eyesight.

Seeking professional help

Consult a doctor
Look for professional help

Patients often think their Glaucoma is synonymous with blindness and a severe disability.

Glaucoma can cause them to develop depression and other mental health issues due to the mental stress associated with prolonged treatment.

It is important to seek professional help for Glaucoma, an all-encompassing treatment with medical help and counseling support.

Professional help can speed up the treatment procedure and reduce the indifference of the patients to try new medications and Glaucoma treatment options for the best results.

Also read: Getting checked for Glaucoma early on is crucial for timely detection and intervention. Read The Comprehensive Guide to the Glaucoma Test to know all about it.

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Takeaway

There is no definitive answer to the question, “Does glaucoma cause blindness?” 

Glaucoma involves a disorder of the optic nerve that can cause blindness if not treated properly.

Everyone diagnosed with Glaucoma is at risk of becoming completely blind or suffering from some degree of visual impairment, no matter their medical treatment.

Different types of Glaucoma take different amounts of time to progress, and a higher Intraocular Pressure results in an early loss of vision. 

Since Glaucoma is often diagnosed late and follows insufficient medical intervention, most Glaucoma becomes severe with time.

However, by consulting with your doctor for checkups  and early diagnosis, it is possible to preserve your vision and completely avert blindness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glaucoma cause blindness quickly?

No, Glaucoma cannot cause blindness quickly. Most Glaucoma takes years before it leads to blindness. There is partial vision loss, but complete blindness takes some time. However, severe cases like Acute Closed Angle Glaucoma lead to vision loss within a few days if not immediately treated by surgery.

What percentage of Glaucoma patients go blind?

Even with treatment, upto 19% of patients go blind over 22 years of follow-up from Glaucoma. However, these are modest estimates, and the rates can depend on several factors that can vary. These include the severity of the disease, time taken for treatment, and responsiveness of the treatment to the disorder.

Do Glaucoma patients go completely blind?

Complete blindness is relatively rare and only occurs when no treatment is given. If the disorder remains undiagnosed for a long time and is accompanied by poor medical intervention and irregular follow-ups, blindness can ensue soon. However, Glaucoma most often can cause some degree of visual loss or impairment no matter the stage.

 

Citations:

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