Everyday health Note · 5 min read

Cataract and glaucoma: the eye checks that matter after 60

Two in three cases of blindness in older Indians are from cataract, which surgery can fix. Glaucoma gives no warning at all

The Pushpa team · 6 sources

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Next eye check

Dr. Rao, March

Clear sight

Failing eyesight often gets put down to age, and lived with. But most of it doesn't have to be. India's national blindness survey of people over 50 found that cataract caused 66.2% of blindness, and that 92.9% of blindness was from avoidable causes

66.2%

of blindness in Indians over 50 is caused by cataract (National Blindness & Visual Impairment Survey, 2015–19)

Cataract: common, and fixable

A cataract clouds the lens of the eye. The NHS lists the signs: blurred vision, colours that look faded, and trouble with glare from lights. Being 60 or over is a risk factor. In LASI, 23.2% of Indians over 60 said they had been diagnosed with one. Surgery is done under local anaesthetic, and most people go home the same day

Glaucoma: silent until it isn't

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve slowly, over years. The NHS says it usually has no symptoms and most people don't realise they have it. Sight it takes can't be brought back, so finding it early is everything. The risk is higher after 50 or 60, with a close relative who has it, and in people of Asian background

How often to check

The NHS advises everyone to have an eye test at least every two years
With diabetes or high blood pressure, MedlinePlus advises a dilated eye exam at least once a year
If a parent or sibling has glaucoma, ask the eye doctor how often she needs pressure checks
New blurring, a curtain over part of her vision or sudden eye pain should be seen quickly

Spectacles count too

In LASI, only 37.4% of Indians over 60 used spectacles, though 35.4% reported a refractive error and far more had low vision on testing. A pair of glasses that suits her may be the simplest thing that keeps her reading, cooking and steady on the stairs

How Pushpa helpsPushpa keeps her eye reports with the rest of her record and reminds the family when a yearly check is due. If she mentions blurry vision or trouble reading on a call, it goes into the morning report