Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it can cause irreversible vision loss with no early warning signs. It is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to abnormally high pressure inside your eye. Early detection through regular eye exams is the only way to prevent vision loss.
What is Glaucoma?
Your eye constantly produces a fluid called aqueous humor. Normally, this fluid drains out through a mesh-like channel. If this channel gets blocked, or the eye produces too much fluid, the pressure inside your eye increases. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images to your brain. If the damage continues, it can lead to permanent blindness.
Symptoms & Signs
The symptoms depend on the type of glaucoma you have.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Most Common. Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision. Tunnel vision in advanced stages.
Acute Angle-Closure
Medical Emergency! Severe headache, eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, halos around lights, and eye redness.
Important Warning
Open-angle glaucoma often has NO symptoms in the early stages. You won't notice vision loss until significant damage has occurred. This is why routine checks are vital, especially after age 40.
Who is at Risk?
Certain factors increase your risk of developing glaucoma:
- Age: Being over age 60 (or over 40 for certain populations).
- Family History: Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure.
- Eye Conditions: High nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
- Medication Use: Long-term use of corticosteroid eye drops.
Diagnosis at Netra Jyoti Center
Dr. Maurya uses advanced diagnostic tools to detect glaucoma early:
- Tonometry: Measures ability the internal pressure of your eye.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Inspects the optic nerve for signs of damage.
- Perimetry (Visual Field Test): Checks for areas of vision loss.
- Gonioscopy: Inspects the drainage angle of your eye.
- Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of your cornea.
Treatment Options
While glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, treatment can halt or slow down further vision loss. The goal is to lower eye pressure.
Eye Drops (First Line)
Prescription drops that either reduce fluid production or help fluid drain better. Compliance is critical.
Laser Therapy
Procedures like Laser Trabeculoplasty can help drain fluid from the eye. It is a quick, outpatient procedure.
Surgery
If drops and laser don't work, Dr. Maurya may recommend surgery (Trabeculectomy) to create a new drainage channel.
Common Questions
Can I get my lost vision back?
Unfortunately, vision lost to glaucoma is permanent because the optic nerve fibers cannot regenerate. This is why saving your remaining vision is the priority.
Does high eye pressure mean I have glaucoma?
Not necessarily. Some people have high pressure but no nerve damage (Ocular Hypertension), while others have normal pressure but still get glaucoma (Normal-Tension Glaucoma). A full exam is needed to be sure.
Is surgery painful?
Glaucoma surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain. You may experience some discomfort or scratchiness during recovery.
Protect Your Sight Today
Don't let the "silent thief" steal your vision. Schedule a comprehensive glaucoma screening with Dr. Maurya.
