Glaucoma
Protect your vision from the "Silent Thief of Sight". Our specialized clinical approach combines state-of-the-art diagnostics with personalized treatment protocols to halt progression and protect your sight.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. In most cases, glaucoma develops due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), although it can also occur with normal eye pressure.
The vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, but early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent further damage and preserve vision.
Why is it Called the "Silent Thief of Sight"?
Glaucoma usually develops slowly without causing pain or noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Most patients are unaware that they have glaucoma until significant vision has already been lost.
Regular eye examinations are the only reliable way to detect glaucoma before permanent vision loss occurs.
Types of Glaucoma
Primary Open-Angle
Most common type, progresses slowly, usually painless, causes gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Angle-Closure
Medical emergency, sudden rise in eye pressure, severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea and vomiting.
Normal Tension
Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure.
Secondary Glaucoma
Occurs due to eye injury, steroid use, diabetes, eye inflammation, or previous eye surgery.
Congenital Glaucoma
Rare glaucoma present from birth caused by abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
Who is at Higher Risk of Glaucoma?
Regular glaucoma screening is especially important if you fall into any of these categories:
- Are above 40 years of age
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high eye pressure
- Are highly myopic (high minus power)
- Have thin corneas
- Have suffered an eye injury
- Use steroid eye drops or tablets for a long duration
Recognise the Symptoms
Glaucoma often has no early warning signs. Knowing what to look for can help protect your vision.
Early Stage
Usually no symptoms · No pain · Normal central vision
Advanced Stage
- Loss of side (peripheral) vision
- Difficulty seeing in dim light
- Tunnel vision
- Difficulty driving
- Frequent bumping into objects
Acute Angle Closure
- Sudden severe eye pain & Red eye
- Blurred vision & Colored halos
- Headache, Nausea, Vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis and Treatment Procedure
Your glaucoma treatment journey is structured for accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and lifelong care to prevent vision loss.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Vision assessment, Eye pressure measurement (Tonometry), Gonioscopy (Angle examination), Optic nerve evaluation, OCT Optic Nerve Scan, Visual Field (Perimetry) Test, Corneal Thickness Measurement (Pachymetry), Dilated retinal examination...
Medical Treatment
Prescription eye drops are the first line of treatment. These medications reduce eye pressure, slow disease progression, and need regular and lifelong use in most patients.
Laser Treatment
Laser procedures may be recommended depending on the type of glaucoma. These include Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). It is quick, minimally invasive, and performed as an outpatient procedure.
Glaucoma Surgery
When medications and laser treatment are insufficient, surgery may be advised. Common procedures include Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices (Valve Surgery), and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in selected patients.
Why Early Detection is Important
Vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment can preserve remaining vision and significantly reduce the risk of blindness.
Routine eye check-ups are especially important for people over 40 years of age and those with a family history of glaucoma.
Why Choose Harikrushna Eye & Dental Hospital?
Experienced glaucoma specialists
Advanced diagnostic equipment (OCT)
Computerized visual field testing
Medical, laser & surgical treatment under one roof
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with timely treatment.
No. Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent. Treatment prevents further damage.
No. Some patients develop glaucoma even with normal eye pressure (Normal Tension Glaucoma).
Yes. A family history significantly increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
Most patients require lifelong monitoring and treatment to keep eye pressure under control.
While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, regular eye examinations can detect it early and prevent severe vision loss.
Most glaucoma surgeries are performed under local anesthesia and are generally comfortable for the patient.
The frequency depends on disease severity, but most patients require follow-up every 3–6 months or as advised by their ophthalmologist.
