Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma – Silent Thief of Sight

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness.

 

Why Glaucoma is Dangerous
  • Known as the “Silent Thief of Sight” – no symptoms in early stages
  • Vision loss begins with peripheral (side) vision
  • Damage is permanent but preventable with early detection
  • Often detected only during routine eye examination
Risk Factors
  • Age above 40 years
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Diabetes & Hypertension
  • High eye pressure (IOP)
  • Long-term steroid use
  • High myopia (minus number) or hypermetropia
Previous eye injury or surgery
Advanced Diagnostic Technology Available
  • Applanation Tonometry – accurate eye pressure measurement
  • OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) – early optic nerve damage detection
  • Visual Field Analysis (Perimetry) – detects functional vision loss
  • Gonioscopy – angle assessment
  • Pachymetry – corneal thickness measurement
Treatment Options
  • Medicated Eye Drops – first line of treatment
  • Laser Therapy (SLT / YAG procedures)
  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
  • Trabeculectomy / Tube Shunt Surgery for advanced cases
Why Regular Screening is Essential
  • Early detection can save vision for lifetime
  • Recommended yearly screening after age 40
  • Essential for high-risk individuals