Understanding Glaucoma
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the structure responsible for carrying visual signals from the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by raised eye pressure, and if not detected early, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Because it progresses slowly and painlessly in most cases, glaucoma is often called the “Silent Thief of Sight.”Many patients do not realize they have the condition until their vision is already affected.
Why Early Detection Matters
Vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored, but with timely diagnosis and treatment, further damage can often be slowed or prevented. Regular screening is the most effective way to protect long-term vision.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Comprehensive Evaluation
- Family History of Glaucoma: If a parent, sibling, or close relative has glaucoma, your risk is significantly higher
- Diabetes or Long-Term Steroid Use: These conditions can alter eye pressure regulation and increase glaucoma risk
- Trauma to eye or any eye surgery- These conditions lead to increase in eye pressure and thus, decrease the vision.
Other Recognized Risk Factors
- Age over 40
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Elevated eye pressure (IOP)
- Thin corneas
- Migraines or vascular disorders
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Many types of glaucoma show no early symptoms, but some warning signs may include:
- Reduced side/peripheral vision
- Eye pressure or discomfort
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Halos around lights
- Headaches, nausea, and vomiting
Emergency Warning Signs - Seek Urgent Care
Contact an eye specialist or visit an emergency eye facility immediately if you experience:
Sudden severe eye pain
Sudden drop in vision or blurred vision
Headache with nausea or vomiting
Red eye with vision disturbance
These may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Types of Glaucoma
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Angle-Closure / Narrow Angle Glaucoma
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Secondary Glaucoma
Types of Glaucoma
| Patient Group | Screening Interval |
|---|---|
|
General population over 40 |
Every 1 year |
|
High-risk (family history, diabetes, steroid use) |
Every 3 months |
|
Diagnosed glaucoma patients |
Every 3-6 months |
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Tonometry
Eye pressure measurement to detect elevated IOP
Gonioscopy
Angle assessment to check drainage structures
OCT Imaging
Zeiss OCT (gold standard) for optic nerve analysis
RNFL Analysis
Nerve fiber layer thickness evaluation
Visual Field Testing
Perimetry to check peripheral vision loss
Pachymetry
Corneal thickness measurement
These tests allow Dr. Puja Sheth to accurately detect disease progression and tailor a treatment plan.
Treatment & Management Approach
- Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure
- Laser procedures for fluid drainage
- MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
- Trabeculectomy / Tube Shunts for advanced glaucoma
- Long-term monitoring and follow-up plans