Glaucoma
A progressive disease that damages the optic nerve—usually due to high eye pressure. Early detection prevents vision loss.
What is Glaucoma?
A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure — a major cause of irreversible blindness.
The optic nerve acts like a cable containing over a million nerve fibres, transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. When eye pressure rises or the nerve becomes weak, these fibres get damaged. If untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss or total blindness.
With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, further damage can be prevented. Regular eye check-ups after age 40 are crucial.
How Does Glaucoma Affect Vision?
A clear fluid called aqueous humour circulates inside the eye. When drainage channels get blocked, fluid builds up and increases pressure. This pressure damages the optic nerve gradually or suddenly depending on the type of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness globally. Maa Nursing Home and NetraJyoti Eyecare Centre offers advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions for effective management.
What Causes Glaucoma?
- Ageing
- Diabetes
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Eye injuries (chemical or blunt trauma)
- Eye inflammation
- Blocked eye blood vessels
- After other eye surgeries
Types of Glaucoma
1. Chronic Simple / Open-Angle Glaucoma
A slow, silent disease where vision loss occurs gradually. The drainage angle remains open, but the drainage channels fail internally. Symptoms include:
- Gradual dimming or blurred vision
- Chronic mild headache
- Reduced side vision
- Coloured halos around lights
2. Acute / Closed-Angle Glaucoma
A sudden blockage of the drainage angle, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. Symptoms include:
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Sudden blurred or cloudy vision
- Coloured haloes around lights
- Red eye
3. Congenital Glaucoma
Occurs in infants due to defective drainage channels. Signs include large, cloudy corneas, excessive watering, and light sensitivity.
4. Secondary Glaucoma
Caused by other eye diseases, injury, steroid use, or diabetes.
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Maa Nursing Home and NetraJyoti Eyecare Centre uses advanced diagnostic tools. Multiple tests may be performed over time.
- Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Measures eye pressure; values above 21mmHg require further evaluation.
- Gonioscopy: Examines the drainage angle.
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness which affects pressure readings.
- Perimetry / Visual Field: Detects early peripheral vision loss.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Assesses optic nerve damage.
- HRT (Heidelberg Retinal Tomography): Advanced imaging for progression tracking.
How is Glaucoma Treated?
Early treatment prevents irreversible damage. Treatment options include:
- Eye drops: Long-term or lifelong use to control pressure.
- LASER Peripheral Iridotomy: For narrow-angle glaucoma to create a drainage opening.
- LASER Trabeculoplasty: Opens blocked passages in open-angle glaucoma.
- Trabeculectomy (Surgery): Creates a new drainage pathway when drops or laser are insufficient.
Glaucoma is known as a “silent blinder.” Regular check-ups after age 40 and timely treatment protect vision.
Why Choose Us?
- Advanced glaucoma diagnostics
- Expert specialists
- Laser & surgical treatment options
- Long-term monitoring & follow-up