CLINICAL & SURGICAL SERVICES
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GLAUCOMA
The second leading cause of blindness, Glaucoma leads to irreparable vision loss. It is a disease in which the fluid pressure increases within the eye. The anterior chamber is a small space in the front of the lens in the eye through which internal clear liquid flows out of the eye through a mesh. In the case of Glaucoma, this fluid drains out slowly. The built up of the fluid inside the eye leads to a rise in the intraocular pressure [IOP] which damages the most yielding tissue- the optic nerve. Any damage caused to the optic nerve is permanent and leads to loss of peripheral field of vision to begin with and later loss of central vision leading to blindness in advance cases.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is classified into 2 types i.e. Open Angle and Closed angle. It is very essential to differentiate the 2 types as the initial treatment differs between the two types.
- Open Angle Glaucoma
In this type of glaucoma, the drainage mesh is seen clearly on examination, however the pores inside the mesh close down due to aging or get clogged causing the fluid inside the eye to stagnate and result in rise in eye pressure without causing any symptoms to the patient. This causes a gradual loss of vision.
- Closed Angle Glaucoma
In this type of glaucoma, the drainage mesh is not seen clearly on examination, due to mechanical obstruction by the peripheral iris causing the fluid inside the eye to stagnate and result in rise in eye pressure. This glaucoma can cause some symptoms to the patient like eye pain, seeing haloes, headaches.
Causes of Glaucoma
An injury, infection, or tumor in or around your eye can also cause the pressure to rise. In addition, the following factors also put you at risk of suffering from glaucoma:
- Having a family history of Glaucoma
- Near-sightedness
- Eye injuries
- Eye surgery
- Myopia
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure or other diseases of the blood vessels
- Long term steroid use
- Above the age of 40 years
Glaucoma often develops slowly, so you might not notice symptoms early on. However, as the condition progresses, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Blurred Vision: Gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes.
- Tunnel Vision: In advanced stages, you may notice your field of vision narrowing, leading to tunnel vision. You might notice stumbling on things or unintentional shouldering people while walking.
- Eye Pain: Severe eye pain, especially with acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Headache: Persistent headaches, which can accompany increased eye pressure.
- Halos Around Lights: Seeing halos or rainbow-colored circles around lights.
- Redness in the Eye: Increased eye redness.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Often accompanied by severe eye pain.
- Vision Loss: Sudden or gradual loss of vision.
Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of glaucoma. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive eye evaluation.
Usually, Glaucoma is discovered during routine eye examination. The tests used to diagnose and monitor progression of Glaucoma include.
- Tonometry: To measure intraocular pressure
- Gonioscopy: To view the angle structure of the eye
- Ophthalmoscopy: To view the optic nerve head changes
- Pachymetry: To check the corneal thickness
Perimetry / Visual - Fields Test: To map the field of vision of each eye
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): to analyse in detail optic nerve changes, retinal nerve fibre layer loss , ganglion cell layer loss in all stages of Glaucoma.
Treatments for Glaucoma
If diagnosed at an early stage of the disease, medical treatment can be helpful. If the pressure is not controlled by Medical therapy, your eye doctor might suggest glaucoma surgery in Mumbai.
Glaucoma treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent further optic nerve damage. The most common treatments include:
- Medications: Prescription eye drops are often the first line of treatment. These medications help reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage or decreasing fluid production.
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy can improve fluid drainage in the eye. Laser therapy is minimally invasive and can be an effective option for many patients.
- Surgery: When medications and laser therapy are not sufficient, surgical options such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may be recommended. These procedures create new drainage pathways for the eye fluid, reducing pressure.
- Lifestyle and Monitoring: In addition to medical treatments, regular monitoring of eye pressure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage glaucoma. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding activities that increase eye pressure.
Our clinic provides personalized treatment plans based on the type and severity of glaucoma, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Schedule a consultation to discuss the most suitable treatment options for your condition.
Have Questions about Glaucoma?
Hear it straight from Dr. Sunil Jain in a series of videos where he explains glaucoma in a very simple and easy-to-understand terms.
Scan the QR code or
Have Questions about Glaucoma?
Hear it straight from Dr. Sunil Jain in a series of videos where he explains glaucoma in a very simple and easy-to-understand terms.
Scan the QR code or
Frequently Asked Questions
After glaucoma surgery, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least a few weeks to prevent increased eye pressure. Refrain from rubbing or touching your eyes, and avoid getting water in your eyes to reduce the risk of infection. Swimming, using hot tubs, and activities that involve bending over should be avoided during the initial recovery period. Follow our specific post-surgery care instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
The recovery period after glaucoma surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Generally, patients can expect a few days to a week of initial recovery, during which they should rest and avoid strenuous activities. Full recovery and stabilization of eye pressure can take several weeks to a few months. We provide comprehensive post-surgery care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.
You can usually resume using your phone or computer within a few days after glaucoma surgery, but it’s important to take frequent breaks to avoid straining your eyes. Follow your doctor’s recommendations on screen time and ensure you have proper lighting to reduce eye fatigue.
You should not drive immediately after glaucoma surgery. Wait until your doctor confirms that your vision has stabilized and you feel comfortable behind the wheel. This can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on your recovery.
You should avoid wearing makeup, especially eye makeup, for at least one to two weeks after surgery to prevent irritation and infection.
You can shower and wash your face, but avoid getting water or soap directly in your eyes for at least the first week. Be gentle around the eye area and follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor.
You should avoid wearing contact lenses until your doctor confirms it is safe to do so. This may take a few weeks, depending on your recovery. In the meantime, use glasses if needed.
It’s generally recommended to avoid air travel for at least a week after glaucoma surgery due to changes in air pressure. Consult your doctor about any travel plans to ensure it’s safe for you.