Glaucoma Management – Preserving Vision, Protecting Sight
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damages the optic nerve.
The optic nerve is like a high-speed cable that connects your eye to your brain. It carries the visual information collected by the retina to the visual processing center in the brain. Only when this information reaches the brain do you actually "see" an image.
Damage to the optic nerve is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). Person suffering from Glaucoma starts loosing vision from the periphery gradually increasing towards center of the eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma symptoms often develop gradually, making early detection crucial. Glaucoma treatment & management aims to reduce pressure inside the eye to prevent further optic nerve damage and preserve vision.
How is Glaucoma Caused
Inside the eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor flows in and out to nourish the eye. When this fluid doesn’t drain properly, it leads to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which damages the optic nerve over time.
Other contributing factors may include:
Poor blood flow to the optic nerve
Genetic predisposition
Structural weakness of the optic nerve
How is Glaucoma Managed
Glaucoma cannot be reversed, but it can be effectively managed with early detection and lifelong care. The main aim is to control eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.
Most common treatment
Help lower IOP by reducing fluid production or improving fluid drainage
Must be used consistently
Eye Drops:
Oral Medications:
Prescribed in certain cases where drops are insufficient
May be used short-term or along with other treatments
Laser Procedures:
Laser Trabeculoplasty (for open-angle glaucoma): Enhances fluid drainage
Laser Iridotomy (for angle-closure): Creates a small hole in the iris to relieve pressure
Cyclophotocoagulation: Reduces fluid production in severe cases
Surgical Options:
Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage pathway
Drainage Implants (tubes/shunts): Used in complex or advanced cases
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Newer techniques with quicker recovery and fewer complications
Life with Glaucoma
Managing glaucoma is a lifelong commitment. Patients must follow medication schedules strictly, monitor for any changes in vision and undergo periodic tests like visual field exams, OCT, and Tonometry.
With proper care, most people with glaucoma can retain useful vision throughout life. Awareness, adherence to treatment, and regular eye evaluations make all the difference.
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Early detection saves vision. Book your Glaucoma screening today!
Diagnosis:
Comprehensive Eye Exam: The initial step is a thorough eye exam to assess potential nerve damage and measure eye pressure. This may include dilating the pupils for a more detailed examination of any damage.
Tonometry: This test measures the intraocular pressure or IOP, which is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. Elevated IOP levels are a primary cause of the condition.
Optic Nerve Imaging (OCT): Optical coherence tomography gives detailed images of the optic nerve, showing signs of glaucoma.
Perimetry (Visual Field Test): This test measures peripheral vision loss, often indicating early glaucoma. It is a routine eye exam to diagnose and monitor glaucoma.
Gonioscopy: This is a painless eye test to measure the angle between the iris and cornea. A special lens is used to inspect the eye’s drainage angle, where fluid drains out of the eye.
Pachymetry: This test measures corneal thickness, which can affect IOP readings and influence treatment.
Once a diagnosis is made, the next obvious step is to choose the proper glaucoma treatment, given that you are eligible for it. These include:
Risk Factors:
While glaucoma can affect anyone, certain individuals are at a higher risk:
People over age 40
Those with a family history of glaucoma
Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders
Long-term steroid users (oral or topical)
Individuals with a history of eye injury or surgery
People with high myopia (high minus number /severe nearsightedness) or high hyperopia (high plus number/ farsightedness)
