Studies show that one in every 20 persons is affected with glaucoma, known as sneak-thief of sight that leads to complete blindness.

A glaucoma patient gets to know of it only when the disease is in a very advanced stage.

Glaucoma, an irreversible hereditary eye disorder is caused because of the rise in the intraocular pressure in the eye which in turn is caused by the blockage in the free outlet of eye fluid — aqueous humor.

Those with a family history of glaucoma are at a 4 to 9 per cent higher risk of inheriting the disease. While those who are above 40 are more prone to glaucoma, the disease has been found among children as well.

“There is a complete lack of awareness among people about the disease and since the loss of eyesight begins from the peripheral region, most patients are unaware of the situation till they are left with only 30 to 40 percent of the vision. The only way out is regular check up of the eyes,” said Dr Mital Patel, ophthalmologist.

Patients with hypertension, diabetes, fluctuating vision, and history of trauma on eye are prone to be afflicted with the disease.

“There are instances of its presence in children who were hit with a ball over the eye while playing. Though medication might have temporarily solvedthe problem, it can lead to glaucoma later,” said Patel.