Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is the group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the back of the eye to the brain. It is one of the commonest causes of irreversible blindness all over the world. It is associated with the increased pressure inside the eyeball. This increased intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is usually painless and does not cause symptoms until it is quite advanced. It is therefore important to have regular eye health examination which test for glaucoma at an early stage.
Tests For Glaucoma - Diagnosis And Monitoring
There are various tests that are used to detect for Glaucoma. These tests for Glaucoma are painless.
Generally, the tests are divided into two groups:
- Assessing the structure of the optic nerve
- Assessing the function of the optic nerve
Tests of structure of the optic nerve
- Looking at the appearance of the main nerve in the eye, called the optic nerve (Ophthalmoscopy)
- Assessing the drainage system of the eye (Gonioscopy)
- Measuring the thickness of the external part of the eye (Central Corneal Thickness)
- Measuring the pressure in the eye (Goldmann Applanation Tonometry)
- Stereo photo of the Optic Nerve- A digital camera takes photos of the back part of the eye for evaluation of the optic nerve. These photos can be compared to prior photos or may be used in the future for comparison.
- Scanning the optic nerve and nerve fibers inside the eye (Optical Coherence Tomography or OCT) is a computerized picture of the optic nerve. This specific image measures the microscopic thickness of the optic nerve fibers and compares the readings with the normal database and report the results in colours and numbers. The numbers will be compared over time with prior and future pictures, to identify if any change has occurred in the structure of your optic nerve.
Test of function of the optic nerve
Visual Field Test. You will be asked to cover your one eye at a time with a patch and then your chin will be placed in the chin rest area of the visual field machine. The machine looks like a big bowl. Once your head is positioned correctly and the proper lens (based on your glasses prescription) is placed in front of your eye, you will be given a button to press when you see a light flash.
Perimeter
- Visual field test measures how far in the periphery you can see
- Glaucoma reduces your peripheral or side vision
- Often patients do not notice any difference until visual field loss is too late
- Visual field test can often detect other neurological conditions such as brain tumours
- Patients with sudden onset headaches or even visual migraines should have a visual field test.
Since most people with Glaucoma do not have early symptoms it is important to see your eye doctor regularly.
Who is at Risk of having Glaucoma?
1. People over 40 years of age.
2. People experiencing frequent changes in the prescription of glasses.
3. People having Short Sightedness.
4. People using Steroids.
5. People having diabetes or high blood pressure.
6. Someone who had any injury to the eye.
7. Family history of Glaucoma.
What are the treatment options for Glaucoma?
With early detection Glaucoma can often be controlled with medications, either eye drops or pills or laser procedure. If there is no response over a period of time, the doctor may also recommend Glaucoma surgery. In certain cases glaucoma surgery is preferred as the first line of treatment.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with Glaucoma, it’s really important to start the treatment right away because the treatment can stop Glaucoma from getting worse.
- Prescription Eye Drops
- Oral Medications
- Trabeculectomy
- Valve Treatment
- Laser Of Iridotomy
Our State-Of-The-Art Equipment for Glaucoma Treatment
- Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy (Zeiss, Germany)
- OCT/ RNFL ( Nidek, Japan)
- Perimetry ( Optopol, USA)
- Applanation Tonometer
- Fundus Camera ( Zeiss VISUCAM 500 , Germany)
- Leica 822 Operating Microscope (Germany)
Operating Microscope
Non Contact Tonometer with Pachymeter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Once Diagnosed, How Often Should I See My Doctor for Glaucoma?
This varies based on the type and degree of glaucoma you have. This may range from every 3 months to every year in stable patients or more often if there are concerning findings.
How long do I need to use eye drops for treating my Glaucoma?
A person who has got Glaucoma will have to use the eye drops throughout his life time.
Can the eye drops used for treating Glaucoma cause side effects?
Yes, certain eye drops used for treating Glaucoma can cause side effects like redness or irritation in the eyes. It usually clears off over a period of time. Always inform your doctor if you have any other medical problem especially asthma, heart problem or kidney problem.
Does Glaucoma Run in the Family?
The risk of glaucoma is even higher in first-degree relatives (parents, siblings) of patients with glaucoma; the risk may be up to ten-times higher in this population. It is important that first-degree relatives and family members get screened for glaucoma with a comprehensive eye examination at least 10 years prior to the age of diagnosis of the family member or starting at age 40 at the very least. After an initial examination, intermittent checkups are also important to continue to monitor family members who are at increased risk.
Can Glaucoma be cured?
Unfortunately No, Glaucoma cannot be cured. You can take preventive measures to stop further damage to your eye health and eye sight. The sooner you get it diagnosed, the better it will be.
Will I go blind from my Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is known to cause blindness but it can be prevented. If it is diagnosed at an early stage, the damage can be controlled. Regular and timely medications/treatment and the follow up will decrease the risk of glaucoma progression and blindness. But if you don’t treat it at the right time, it may result in complete blindness.
Read more about Glaucoma