Glaucoma is also called the "silent thief of sight" since it progresses slowly without apparent symptoms in its initial stages. Glaucoma develops quietly, unlike other vision issues that appear with instant discomfort or blurred vision, and tends to damage peripheral vision before central vision. Regular eye exams are important for early diagnosis and treatment.

Think of your eyes as cameras, taking pictures that your brain interprets through the optic nerve. Glaucoma destroys this nerve, preventing your brain from getting clear pictures. The catch is that it happens slowly and painlessly, so it's easy to ignore until permanent vision loss has taken place.

Dr. Ajay Sharma, Ophthalmologist, says, "Most people think that good central vision means healthy eyes, but glaucoma attacks the optic nerve, producing slow, irreversible damage. Early detection is the key to identifying this condition before it advances."

Early Symptoms of Glaucoma Are Often Undetectable

Perhaps the most perilous part of glaucoma is that there are often no warning signs at all. Most individuals believe that vision loss will be preceded by obvious symptoms such as pain or sudden blurriness, but this is not true for glaucoma. The disease tends to attack peripheral vision initially, so it is hard to notice until extensive damage has been done. With time, people might start to feel they cannot see things on the side, but by then, the damage could already be extensive.

From Dr. Sharma, "Glaucoma may develop even when vision seems perfectly normal. Sometimes, for example, with normal-tension glaucoma, optic nerve damage happens even with normal intraocular pressure."

Who's at Risk? Kow Risk Factors

While anyone can get glaucoma, some people are at greater risk. Knowing these risk factors can help you take action to safeguard your eyesight.

Age: The risk of glaucoma grows much higher after age 60. African Americans are at greater risk, however, after age 40.

Family History: If a close relative has experienced glaucoma, you are more likely to develop it.

Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are more likely to develop certain forms of glaucoma.

Eye Health Conditions: Nearsightedness, eye trauma, or chronic inflammation can lead to the disease.

Medical Conditions: Glaucoma risk is heightened in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Medications: Chronic use of corticosteroids will often elevate intraocular pressure, elevating the danger of optic nerve damage.

How Can You Catch Glaucoma Early?

As glaucoma has limited detectable signs and symptoms during the early phases, the optimal approach to capture it before severe harm is by extensive eye examinations.

Opticians conduct a dilated eye test, during which special drops widen the pupils, enabling a better look at the optic nerve. A tonometry test takes an intraocular reading, and a visual field test checks peripheral vision.

Dr. Sharma stresses, "Those with increased risk factors, such as high myopes or hypermetropes, diabetes, eye injuries, or long-term steroid treatment, should have regular eye tests to check intraocular pressure and optic nerve function."

How to Protect Your Eyesight?

Though glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection can delay its advancement and help save vision. Here are real-life measures to safeguard your eyesight:

1. Get Regular Eye Exams

A thorough eye examination every one to two years is necessary, particularly for people over 40 or with risk factors. These examinations can identify glaucoma before symptoms are evident.

2. Control Underlying Health Conditions

Managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can lower the risk of optic nerve damage. Healthy living protects your overall eye health.

3. Take Medications as Directed

If diagnosed with glaucoma, your doctor may prescribe eye drops or oral medications to reduce intraocular pressure. Consistently using prescribed treatments can slow disease progression.

4. Protect Your Eyes from Injury

Eye injuries can increase the risk of glaucoma. Wear protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk, such as sports or working with hazardous materials.

5. Follow a Healthy Diet

Eating food rich in nutrients, especially antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E, is good for your eyes. Make leafy greens, fish, nuts, and oranges a part of your diet.

6. Be Physically Active

Regular exercise may reduce eye pressure. Walk, practice yoga, or swim to stay healthy.

7. Reduce Screen Time and Eye Strain

Prolonged screen time can cause digital eye strain, leading to discomfort and dry eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Glaucoma is a quiet but dangerous eye disease that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated. Because symptoms may not be noticeable until extensive damage has been done, regular eye exams are the best protection against this disease.

As Dr. Sharma says, "The key to preventing glaucoma-related vision loss is early detection. Don't wait for symptoms to appear—schedule an eye exam and take charge of your eye health today."

Dr. Ajay Sharma, Ophthalmologist, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Eye-Q Eye Hospitals in India

They’re small, sleek, and practically glued to our ears these days. Wireless earbuds have become as essential as wallets and keys. But here’s the question no one really asks: what happens to your brain when you park two radiation-emitting devices right next to it for hours? It’s not as harmless as we’d like to think.

The Invisible Cloud Around Your Head

Wireless earbuds rely on Bluetooth technology. And Bluetooth runs on non-ionising electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radiation. Unlike X-rays, this type of radiation doesn’t fry your DNA on contact. But constant, close-range exposure is where eyebrows start to raise.

Several studies have associated long-term EMF exposure with side effects ranging from the everyday, like headaches, fatigue, and brain fog, to the more worrying, such as hormonal imbalances, fertility challenges, and possible neurological changes. It may not explode, but it can mess with your system over time.

Kids and Teens: Double the Risk

Children and teenagers have thinner skulls and developing brains. That means EMF radiation can penetrate more deeply and potentially interfere with growth and neurological wiring. Researchers warn that early, prolonged exposure might set the stage for health concerns later in life. So while those mini earbuds may look cute in your teenager’s ears, their brains could be taking on more than just music.

The “But Everyone Uses Them” Trap

When something becomes part of mainstream culture, it automatically feels safe. Everyone’s wearing them at the gym, during work calls, while commuting, and even while falling asleep. But popularity doesn’t equal harmlessness. For years, cigarettes were marketed as chic accessories too. Not saying wireless earbuds are the next tobacco, but it’s worth pausing to question whether convenience is coming at a cost.

And just because you don’t feel anything in the moment doesn’t mean your body isn’t registering it. Those subtle headaches, the unexplained tiredness, and the dip in focus, they could all be due to this.

How To Outsmart The Buzz

It’s about balance and smart habits. Here’s how you can protect your brain while still enjoying your playlists and podcasts:

• Swap in wired headphones: Use corded ones for long calls or extended listening sessions. Old-school doesn’t mean outdated.
• Go hands-free differently: For quick calls, switch to speaker mode and keep the phone away from your head.
• Never sleep with earbuds in: Your brain needs downtime. Overnight exposure means hours of uninterrupted radiation, which is the opposite of rest.
• Airplane mode is a saviour: If your phone is near your head and you’re not using it, flip it on aeroplane mode.

Should You Get Rid of Them Completely?

Not necessarily. Wireless earbuds are here to stay, and honestly, they do make life easier. The key is moderation. Science is still studying the long-term effects, and while there isn’t yet a definitive say that Bluetooth radiation will fry your brain cells, the “better safe than sorry” principle applies. Especially when small tweaks in your habits can significantly cut down your exposure.

Your brain is the control room of your entire existence. Treating it kindly isn’t paranoia; it’s common sense. Wearing wireless earbuds for hours every day might be trendy, but questioning the invisible risks is the smarter move.

You cannot see it, feel it, or hear it increasing, but cholesterol might be quietly present in your bloodstream, creating trouble for your heart. Your everyday habits, like late-night scrolling, snack-bingeing, or skipping workouts, could be some of the reasons.

Experts warn that ignoring cholesterol is not a wise idea. “High cholesterol is not always easy to spot, and your everyday habits could be quietly leading to it. Making small, steady changes can really help your heart stay healthy,” explains Dr Vikas Vashisth, MD, Internal Medicine, SilverStreak Multispeciality Hospital.

We turn to experts to know what causes bad cholesterol and, more importantly, how you can lower it.

Also Read: What Is Frontotemporal Dementia That Psychologists Claim Donald Trump Is Exhibiting Signs Of?

Rethink Your Fats

Fried food might taste divine, but they are not doing your heart any favours. Foods high in saturated fats, like red meat and full-fat dairy, increase LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). Trans fats, lurking in packaged snacks and baked goodies, are equally problematic.

“Go for healthier fats instead,” advises Dr Vashisth. Like olive oil for your cooking, a handful of nuts for your 4 pm cravings, or avocado on toast.

Increase Fibre Intake

If there is one thing that helps fight cholesterol, it is soluble fibre. Found in foods like oatmeal, apples, pears, kidney beans, and even Brussels sprouts, fibre acts like a sponge, soaking up cholesterol and flushing it out.

“Try to get 5 to 10 grams of soluble fibre every day to lower LDL cholesterol,” says Dr Vashisth. And no, that does not mean buying ‘fibre-rich’ biscuits; stick to whole, natural foods.

Also Read: You Will Be Surprised: THIS Chronic Condition Could Be the Hidden Reason You Cannot Conceive

Sweat It Out

HDL is the “good” cholesterol that protects your heart. Exercise boosts HDL while lowering LDL, making it a double win. “Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days,” suggests Dr Vashisth. Brisk walks, cycling, swimming, or even a dance session in your living room can do the trick.

Pick Heart-Healthy Foods

Food can be medicine if chosen wisely. Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, mackerel, walnuts, and flaxseeds help lower triglycerides and blood pressure. You can also try plant sterols or stanols (often in fortified foods) that block cholesterol absorption. Consider them little bodyguards in your kitchen.

Keep an Eye on the Scales

Carrying extra weight does not just sit on your waistline; it affects your cholesterol, too. “Even small changes in weight can have a positive impact,” says Dr Vashisth. Balance your meals, cut back on sugar-loaded snacks, and stick to consistent movement. Think of it as housekeeping for your health.

Why Indians Need to Pay Extra Attention

Most people imagine cholesterol to be a “Western problem”. But Indians are at higher risk of heart disease at younger ages. “We develop heart disease earlier due to a distinctive pattern of dyslipidaemia—high triglycerides and small, dense LDL particles,” warns Dr Honey Sharma, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Shalby Hospital.

On top of that, some people have genetically high cholesterol, making monitoring all the more vital. Dr Sharma stresses that guidelines by the Cardiological Society of India recommend stricter cholesterol targets than Western populations.

Habits That Raise Cholesterol

Not all cholesterol triggers are obvious. According to Dr Sharma, your everyday choices might be the stealthy culprits:

• Poor Sleep: Burning the midnight oil raises cortisol, which spikes cholesterol. Target at least 7 hours of shut-eye.
• Inactivity: Long hours at the desk lower HDL. Stand, stretch, or walk every hour.
• Chronic Stress: Stress pushes your liver to churn out cholesterol. Counter it with yoga, journaling, or short breaks.
• Sugar Overload: Beware of “low-fat” snacks that hide sugar. They raise triglycerides. Instead, choose fruit, nuts, or homemade curd.

Simple Fixes That Actually Work

You do not need a total lifestyle makeover. Start with tiny swaps:

• Eat more greens, legumes, and fruits.
• Walk, cycle, or dance daily.
• Replace stress scrolling with music, meditation, or journaling.
• Snack smart: pick seeds, roasted chickpeas, or fresh fruit.

Donald Trump’s health has once again become a hot talking point, but this time it is not about his diet or late-night Twitter habits. Instead, two psychologists are raising red flags about something far more serious: dementia. According to them, the US president has been showing what they describe as a “dead ringer telltale sign” of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and they warn that the symptoms appear to be getting “worse and worse”.

The psychologists’ concern

Clinical psychologists Dr. Harry Segal and Dr. John Gartner, hosts of the podcast Shrinking Trump, claim that Trump’s psychomotor functioning has visibly deteriorated. Speaking to The Guardian, Dr. Gartner said, “Some of the more evidence that we've been talking about recently has been his psychomotor performance, that we're seeing a deterioration in his motor performance, which also goes with dementia because with dementia there's a deterioration of all faculties, all functions.”

Adding to the intrigue, the Mirror reported that Trump has been spotted “frantically” trying to hide the back of his hand, fuelling speculation about his health. According to Dr. Gartner, Trump’s verbal slips, struggles with language, and now motor difficulties fit the pattern of a neurodegenerative disorder. He even suggested Trump may have more than one form of dementia, but he believes one stands out: frontotemporal dementia.

“One of the things that one of the neuropsychologists that we were working with last year pointed out that is almost a dead ringer telltale sign of frontotemporal dementia is something they call a wide-based gait, where you have a sort of one of your limbs, one of your legs, and you kind of swing it in a semicircle,” Dr. Gartner explained.

What exactly is frontotemporal dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is not a single disease but a group of disorders that attack the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. These regions control personality, social behaviour, and language, the very things that often change first in people with the condition.

Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which is better known, FTD often shows up earlier, typically between the ages of 40 and 65. However, it can appear later in life, making it tricky to diagnose. Many patients are first misdiagnosed with psychiatric conditions or even Alzheimer’s because the symptoms overlap.

Symptoms that raise eyebrows

The Mayo Clinic states that the symptoms of FTD vary depending on the most affected part of the brain. The progression is gradual but relentless.

Behavioural symptoms include:

• Socially inappropriate behaviour.
• Loss of empathy and sensitivity to others.
• Poor judgement and impulsivity.
• Apathy that can be mistaken for depression.
• Compulsive habits such as tapping, clapping, or repetitive lip-smacking.
• Decline in hygiene.
• Odd eating habits – from sudden sugar cravings to chewing on non-food items.

Language-related symptoms include:

• Trouble understanding and producing speech.
• Difficulty finding the right words.
• Using vague terms like “it” instead of specific words.
• Simplified, telegraphic speech.
• Errors in building sentences.

Movement-related symptoms (less common but significant) include:

• Tremors, stiffness, or muscle spasms.
• Difficulty swallowing or weakness.
• Poor balance leading to falls.
• Inappropriate emotional outbursts like laughing or crying.

The “wide-based gait” noted by Dr. Gartner falls into this movement-related cluster, aligning with the suspicion of FTD.

What causes it?

FTD literally shrinks the brain; the frontal and temporal lobes undergo atrophy while abnormal proteins accumulate. The precise cause is not always clear, but genetics plays a role in some cases. Mutations in certain genes overlap with conditions like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), hinting at a deeper biological link that scientists are still trying to untangle.

Interestingly, over half of people diagnosed with FTD have no family history of dementia, meaning the condition can strike seemingly out of the blue.

Who is at risk?

The only established risk factor is family history. Unlike heart disease or type 2 diabetes, lifestyle choices have not been clearly tied to developing FTD. Still, because it often appears earlier than Alzheimer’s, it can be devastating for families, robbing individuals of their personality, judgement, and communication skills during what should be the prime of life.

While Trump’s team has not confirmed or denied any health concerns, the observations of Dr. Segal and Dr. Gartner point to a broader issue: recognising the early signs of dementia in public figures and ordinary people alike. If the psychologists are correct, the president may be experiencing symptoms that fit squarely within the profile of frontotemporal dementia.

What is Bruce Willis's health update? He was also diagnosed with FTD over three years ago

Bruce Willis Health Update: Besides Trump's news, there is an update on Bruce Willis's health. At the preview of ABC's special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, Willis' wife Emma opened up about her husband's battle with frontotemporal dementia, saying his “brain is failing him” and his “language is going.” Despite the heartbreaking progression of the disease, she says their family has found new ways of communicating and cherishes the rare moments when his true personality shines through.

The 70-year-old “Die Hard” and “Sixth Sense” star was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia more than three years ago. In 2023, his family revealed the condition.