Glaucoma Treatment
Don’t Let it Steal your Sight…
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
NORMAL EYE GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the Optic Nerve (the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain) gets damaged and can lead to vision loss or blindness. It is also known as “Kala Motia”.
Optic nerve damage usually occurs in the presence of high eye pressure (high intraocular pressure); but it can also occur with normal or even less than normal eye pressure.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR GLAUCOMA?
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma.
However, certain groups are at higher risk than others.
Family History
Presence of glaucoma in other family members especially first degree relatives
Age
Seen more often in those over 40 years of age
Thyroid Disease
Steroids
Patients who are on long term steroid therapy for other diseases such as asthma, arthritis, skin diseases etc.
Eye Injury
Glaucoma can develop immediately or years after an eye injury
Other Risk Factors
High Myopia (nearsightedness), Hypermetropia (Farsightedness), Hypertension, Diabetes
Symptoms
Clouded, blurred or dim vision
Redness in Eyes
Burning or Stinging Sensations
Frequent changes in eyeglass
HOW CAN I TELL I HAVE GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma can be asymptomatic..
The signs or symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type of glaucoma
Primary open angle glaucoma: It develops slowly. The initial symptoms are usually mild and vague
and may not be noticed.
Frequent change of reading glasses.
Mild eye ache or headache
towards the evening after a day’s work
Inability to adjust one’s vision on entering a dark room (delayed dark adaptation)
Loss of vision, If not treated is first in the peripheral or side vision. The central vision remains intact and is affected last.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency.You may initially see rainbow colored halos of light around a bulb, or experience sudden severe pain in the eye, blurred vision, redness in the eye, unilateral headache, nausea, vomiting.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET REGULAR
EYE CHECKUPS FOR GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is also called “the silent thief of vision”, as at first it may not have any symptoms. The first time you notice something is wrong is when significant vision is lost.
In older adults, cataract(“Safed Motia”) usually starts developing at the same age as glaucoma makes an appearance. You may think that you are losing vision due to a cataract when it may actually be due to glaucoma!
This is why we advise routine eye check-ups for glaucoma after you turn 40.
In the younger population, there are either no symptoms or the onset of symptoms is so slow that it goes unnoticed till there is significant peripheral vision loss.
It is important for younger adults, especially those with a family member with glaucoma, to get glaucoma screenings regularly.
Causes Of Glaucoma
Long-Term Steroid Use
Prolonged use of steroid eye drops, tablets, injections, or inhalers can increase eye pressure and lead to steroid-induced (secondary) glaucoma.
Eye Injury
Injuries to the eye can damage the drainage system, leading to secondary glaucoma. This may develop immediately or years after the injury.
Medical Conditions
Systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Family History
People with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk. Certain genes can make the optic nerve more vulnerable to pressure damage.
Types Of Glaucoma
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma and develops slowly over time. In this condition, the drainage angle of the eye remains open, but the trabecular meshwork (the eye’s natural drainage system) does not function efficiently. As a result, fluid builds up inside the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure that gradually damages the optic nerve. POAG is usually painless and shows no early warning signs, which is why it is often called the “silent thief of sight.” The disease typically begins with a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision and, if left untreated, can progress to tunnel vision and eventual vision loss. Risk factors include increasing age, family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, diabetes, prolonged steroid use, and certain refractive errors like myopia. Although vision loss caused by POAG is permanent, early detection through regular eye examinations and timely treatment with eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can effectively slow or stop further damage and help preserve remaining vision.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Closed-Angle Glaucoma)
Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Closed-Angle Glaucoma) occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and the cornea becomes partially or completely blocked, preventing the normal outflow of fluid from the eye. This blockage causes a rapid rise in intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma may develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and is characterized by sudden severe eye pain, headache, redness of the eye, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Chronic angle-closure glaucoma progresses more slowly and may not show obvious symptoms in the early stages. Risk factors include older age, hyperopia (farsightedness), family history, and certain anatomical features such as a shallow anterior chamber of the eye. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment—often with medications, laser procedures like peripheral iridotomy, or surgery—are essential to quickly reduce eye pressure and prevent permanent vision loss.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG) is a type of glaucoma in which damage to the optic nerve occurs even though the eye pressure remains within the normal range. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to reduced blood flow or increased sensitivity of the optic nerve to normal pressure levels. This condition usually progresses slowly and often has no early symptoms, making it difficult to detect without regular eye examinations. Patients typically experience gradual loss of peripheral vision, similar to primary open-angle glaucoma. Risk factors for normal-tension glaucoma include a family history of glaucoma, low blood pressure, migraines, sleep apnea, and poor circulation. Although eye pressure is normal, treatment focuses on further lowering it through medications, laser therapy, or surgery to slow disease progression and protect remaining vision.
Congenital Glaucoma
Congenital Glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma that is present at birth or develops within the first few years of life. It occurs due to abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system, which prevents proper outflow of fluid and leads to increased intraocular pressure. Unlike adult glaucoma, congenital glaucoma often shows visible signs early on, making timely diagnosis possible. Common symptoms in infants and young children include excessively large or bulging eyes (buphthalmos), excessive tearing, sensitivity to light (photophobia), cloudy or hazy corneas, and frequent blinking. If left untreated, the raised eye pressure can damage the optic nerve and result in permanent vision loss. Treatment usually involves surgical procedures to correct the drainage problem, as medications alone are often not sufficient. Early detection and prompt surgical intervention can significantly improve visual outcomes and help preserve sight in affected children.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary Glaucoma develops as a result of another eye condition, injury, medication, or systemic disease that interferes with normal fluid drainage in the eye. Causes may include eye trauma, long-term use of steroid medications, inflammation of the eye (uveitis), advanced cataract, diabetic eye disease, or complications following eye surgery. Secondary glaucoma can occur at any age and may progress rapidly depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms vary and can include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or gradual vision loss. Effective management focuses on treating both the elevated eye pressure and the underlying condition responsible for it. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent permanent optic nerve damage and vision loss.
How often should I get my
Eyes Examined for Glaucoma?
Every 3 – 4 years: After the age of 40 years, you should get an eye check for glaucoma, even if there are no symptoms, every 3-4 years.
Every 1 to 2 years: If you have a family member with glaucoma or if you have diabetes or if you are on long term systemic steroids for some other disease, or if you have suffered a blunt eye injury in the past, you must get your eyes screened for glaucoma every 1-2 year
Every 3-6 months: if you are diagnosed to have glaucoma Regular review is important and the intervals between review will depend upon the severity of visual loss and the extent of pressure control.
Child or a newborn: A child having sensitivity to light or any eye that appears bigger or cloudier than usual, should be shown to an eye specialist to rule out congenital glaucoma.
Even if the eyes appear normal and there is no family history of eye disease, we strongly recommend a regular eye check-up for children at the age of 3-4 years before they start school.
How is Glaucoma Treated?
As damage to the optic nerve caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, the aim of the treatment is to prevent or reduce further damage to the optic nerve.
The first step is to lower the eye pressure, if high.
The three main modalities of glaucoma treatment in Hisar are:-
Medical (Anti-glaucoma Eye drops and tablets), Glaucoma laser surgery & Glaucoma Filtering Microsurgery
Medical treatment of Glaucoma
Eye drops or tablets are used commonly for early treatment for glaucoma. Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid while Others lower eye pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.
You must use the medicines timely & regularly as directed by our ophthalmologist.
You should not stop your glaucoma medicines even if you do not have symptoms.
A regular follow up, as advised by our eye doctor, is mandatory.
HOW CAN I TELL I HAVE GLAUCOMA?
Eye drops or tablets are used commonly for early treatment for glaucoma. Some medicines cause the eye to
make less fluid whileOthers lower eye pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.
You must use the medicines
timely & regularly as directed by our
ophthalmologist.
You should not stop your glaucoma
medicines even if you do not have
symptoms.
A regular follow up, as advised
by our eye doctor, is mandatory.
Laser treatment of Glaucoma
There are various types of lasers that are used in the treatment of glaucoma.
Our glaucoma specialists will decide which laser is suitable for you.
YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty
Diode Laser Cycloablation
Doctors @ Gobind Eye Care
A Unit Of Gobind Nursing Home
Dr. SS Khurana
MBBS, MS ophthalmology, Senior Consultant
Dr. Gulshan Mehta
MBBS, DOMS, Cataract, Squint and Refractive Surgeon
Dr.Maneesh Dhupper
MBBS, MS Ophthalmology, Vitreo Retina Surgeon
Dr. Ripanjeet Kaur
MBBS, MS ( Gold Medalist), Glaucoma Specialist, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
