What is Glaucoma ?
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Often called the “silent thief of sight”
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Vision loss is slow and painless
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Damage is irreversible, but progression can be controlled
Types of Glaucoma
1. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
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Most common type
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Gradual rise in eye pressure
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No early symptoms
2. Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG)
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Sudden rise in eye pressure
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Symptoms: severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, halos
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Medical emergency
3. Normal Tension Glaucoma
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Optic nerve damage despite normal IOP
4. Secondary Glaucoma
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Due to other causes: diabetes, uveitis, trauma, steroid use
5. Congenital Glaucoma
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Present at birth or early childhood
Risk Factors
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Age > 40 years
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Family history of glaucoma
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Diabetes, hypertension
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Long-term steroid use
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High myopia
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Thin cornea
Symptoms
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Early stages: no symptoms
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Late stages: Loss of side (peripheral) vision, Tunnel vision, Difficulty in low light
Diagnosis
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Measurement of intra-ocular pressure
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Optic nerve head examination
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Visual field testing
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OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
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Gonioscopy
Treatment
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but progression can be controlled.
1. Eye drops – lifelong in most cases
2. Laser treatment
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Laser trabeculoplasty
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Laser iridotomy
3. Surgery
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Trabeculectomy
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Glaucoma drainage devices / MIGS
Prevention & Advice
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Regular eye check-ups after 40 years
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Family members should be screened
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Strict compliance with medications
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Do not stop drops without doctor’s advice
Medical Glaucoma
Medical management of glaucoma focuses on controlling eye pressure (intraocular pressure) using medications to prevent damage to the optic nerve. This is usually the first line of treatment for most glaucoma patients.
Treatment includes eye drops and, in some cases, oral medications. Regular follow-up and strict adherence to medication are essential to slow disease progression and preserve vision.
Benefits of Medical Glaucoma Treatment
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Non-invasive treatment option
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Controls eye pressure effectively in early stages
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Helps prevent vision loss
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Suitable for long-term management
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Can delay or avoid the need for surgery
Surgical Glaucoma
Surgical glaucoma treatment is recommended when medications are not sufficient to control eye pressure or when glaucoma continues to progress. Surgery helps create new pathways for fluid drainage from the eye, reducing pressure and protecting the optic nerve.
Various advanced surgical techniques are available, and the choice of surgery depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.
Benefits of Surgical Glaucoma Treatment
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Effective pressure control in advanced cases
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Reduces dependency on long-term medications
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Slows or stops further vision loss
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Suitable for moderate to severe glaucoma
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Improves long-term eye health