Glaucoma

Glaucoma

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.

RISK FACTORS FOR GLAUCOMA:-

Age : The risk of glaucoma rises >40 years of age.

  • Raised intraocular pressure(IOP)
  • Family History of Glaucoma
  • Conditions that affect, or are related to, blood flow: Diabetes, low blood pressure, and hypertension.
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Extremes of refractive error : High/pathological myopia(associated with POAG) or Hypermetropia(associated with PACG)
  • Eye injuries or eye surgeries
  • Use of steroids(Topical /Oral /Inhalational etc)

Symptoms

If you have Glaucoma, you may observe

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Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision

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Halos around Lights

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Eye Pain or Discomfort

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Vision Disturbances

Vision screenings using adequate testing equipment.

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.

Treatments for Glaucoma

Laser therapy. Laser trabeculoplasty (truh-BEK-u-low-plas-tee) is an option if you can't tolerate eye drops. It also may be used if medicine hasn't slowed the progression of your disease. Your eye doctor also may recommend laser surgery before using eye drops.

Drainage tubes. In this procedure, the eye surgeon inserts a small tube in your eye to drain excess fluid to lower eye pressure.

Filtering surgery. This is a surgical procedure called a trabeculectomy (truh-bek-u-LEK-tuh-me). The eye surgeon creates an opening in the white of the eye, which also is known as the sclera. The surgery creates another space for fluid to leave the eye.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Your eye doctor may suggest a MIGS procedure to lower your eye pressure. These procedures generally require less immediate postoperative care and have less risk than trabeculectomy or using a drainage device. They are often combined with cataract surgery.

FAQ-Glaucoma Surgery at Sarvdrishti Hospital

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often caused by increased intraocular pressure.

There are several types of glaucoma, including:Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma,Angle-Closure Glaucoma,Normal-Tension Glaucoma, Secondary Glaucoma

Detecting glaucoma typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, which may include the following:
  • Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure.
  • Visual Field Test: Evaluates peripheral vision.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Captures detailed images of the optic nerve and retinal layers.
  • Gonioscopy: Assesses the drainage angle of the eye.
  • Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea. These tests, along with a thorough evaluation of your medical history and symptoms, help our specialists determine if you have glaucoma and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Remember, early detection and regular eye exams are crucial for diagnosing and managing glaucoma effectively. If you have concerns about your eye health or suspect you may have glaucoma, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our experienced ophthalmologists at Sarvdrishti Hospital.