Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness worldwide.
Age : The risk of glaucoma rises >40 years of age.
If you have Glaucoma, you may observe
Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing glaucoma. Regular comprehensive eye exams, including tonometry to measure IOP, visual field testing, and optic nerve evaluation, are essential for diagnosis. Treatment options often involve medications (eye drops or oral), laser procedures (such as trabeculoplasty or iridotomy), or surgery (trabeculectomy or drainage implants) to lower IOP and prevent further optic nerve damage..
Although glaucoma cannot be cured, timely intervention can help slow its progression and preserve remaining vision. Therefore, it is important for individuals at risk, such as those with a family history of glaucoma or advanced age, to undergo regular eye screenings to detect and manage glaucoma effectively.
Laser therapy. Laser trabeculoplasty is a commonly used procedure for managing glaucoma, especially for patients who cannot tolerate eye drops or when medications have not sufficiently slowed the progression of the disease. During this outpatient procedure, the ophthalmologist uses a focused laser to improve the drainage of aqueous fluid through the eye’s trabecular meshwork, helping to lower intraocular pressure. In some cases, laser therapy may even be recommended as an initial treatment before starting medications, providing an effective, minimally invasive option to protect the optic nerve and preserve vision over time.
Drainage tubes. For patients with glaucoma, particularly when eye pressure cannot be controlled with medications or less invasive procedures, a surgeon may recommend the insertion of a small drainage tube. This tiny device is carefully placed inside the eye to provide a new pathway for the fluid (aqueous humor) to drain out, helping to lower intraocular pressure. By maintaining a safer pressure level, drainage tubes reduce the risk of damage to the optic nerve and help preserve vision over the long term.
Filtering surgery. For glaucoma patients whose eye pressure remains high despite medications or other treatments, filtering surgery (also called trabeculectomy) may be performed. During this procedure, the surgeon creates a small opening in the eye to allow excess fluid (aqueous humor) to drain out more easily. This reduces intraocular pressure, helps protect the optic nerve from further damage, and slows the progression of vision loss. Filtering surgery is a well-established method for managing advanced or difficult-to-control glaucoma.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). For patients with glaucoma who need to lower eye pressure but want a less invasive option, MIGS procedures may be recommended. These surgeries involve tiny, precise adjustments to the eye’s drainage system to improve fluid outflow and reduce intraocular pressure. Compared to traditional trabeculectomy or drainage device implantation, MIGS generally requires less intensive postoperative care and carries a lower risk of complications. These procedures are often performed at the same time as cataract surgery, allowing patients to address both conditions in a single operation and achieve safer, more convenient outcomes.
Sarvdrishti Eye Hospital Pvt Ltd is a Bihar based chain of Super speciality eye hospitals serving in three cities of Bihar. It was established in 2018 with the mission of providing (Affordable & Excellent Eye Care) to the whole population of Bihar.