Q. What is Glaucoma?

A. Glaucoma is the condition where the permanent loss of vision occurs due to damage to the optic nerve which transmits the signals from the eye to the brain.

Mostly it occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases due to excessive aqueous humor formation (water inside the eye) or a decrease in its drainage.

It is the single second largest reason for vision loss in the world after cataract, the danger here is that vision loss here is permanent, unlike cataract.

Q. How common is Glaucoma?

A. More than 1.1  crore individuals above the age of 40 years are suffering from Glaucoma in India alone. It affects females more with a higher prevalence of angle-closure glaucoma among them.

Q. Why has Glaucoma nicknamed ‘The Silent Thief of Sight’?

A. Glaucoma with its inherent nature of causing permanent visual loss and typical detection in an advanced stage has been nicknamed The Silent Thief of Sight. In the early stages, the symptoms are vague and usually not noticed by an individual till it is late.

Q. What are the types of Glaucoma?

A. The major types of Glaucoma are

• Open-Angle Glaucoma
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma
• Congenital Glaucoma
• Secondary Glaucoma

Q. Can I be suffering from Glaucoma?

A. The risk factors of Glaucoma are

• Increasing Age – Especially if more than 40 years or old
• Race – Asians have a higher tendency to develop Angle-Closure Glaucoma
• Family History of Glaucoma
• Ocular Hypertension – H/o high eye pressure
• Myopia
• Trauma or injury to the eye
• History of thyroid disease

Q. What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?

A. The following are the Glaucoma symptoms among open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma patients:

• Blurring to Loss of vision
• Tunnel vision
• Sudden onset of pain in the eye
• Redness
• Frequent changes in spectacle power
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Severe Headache
• Halos around light

Q. What will be my treatment options?

A. Unfortunately, vision loss in glaucoma is irreversible by any remedy. The goal of the treatment is to prevent further loss of vision and reduce or halt the progression of glaucoma. The treatment options vary depending on the severity which is assessed based on the baseline investigations namely, Visual fields, RNFL OCT, and Optic Disc Photos.

• Anti-glaucoma Medications – Prostaglandins, Beta-blockers, Alpha-adrenergic, Carbonic anhydrase, Parasympathomimetic, Epinephrine, Hyperosmotic Agents. They are either given as mono or combined therapy.
• Laser Treatment– Selective laser Trabeculoplasty is performed in cases of open-angle glaucoma. Iridotomy, where a tiny hole is created for the release of the pressure build-up due to accumulation of fluid in cases of angle closure glaucoma.
• Surgery– Trabeculectomy is the gold standard surgery for the control of advanced glaucoma. In newer technologies, various shunt procedures and implants have been introduced as an adjunct.