WHAT IS GLAUCOMA
When the pressure of the eye rises to a point where it damages the optic nerve causing irreversible damage, the condition is known as glaucoma.
Doctors often refer to glaucoma as the "Sneak Thief of Slight" Because Glaucoma slowly destroys vision and there are rarely any symptoms . When diagnosed early, blindness from Glaucoma is almost always prevented. That is why it is very important to have your vision checked regularly after age 30, or sooner if glaucoma runs in the family.

Our doctors will test your vision for Glaucoma as part of your comprehensive examination.

HOW DOES IT OCCUR?
The eyeball contains a fluid called "aqueous humor". It is produced by the Cilliary body and it circulates inside the eye carrying nutrients to various parts of the eye. This fluid then leaves the eye through channels and it's flow is thus well controlled.


Pressure build up due to
. Too much fluid production
. Obstruction in drainage channels
. Congenital anomaly
. Defect in anatomy
Since the eye cannot expand to accommodate the extra fluid, just like a balloon filled with water, the pressure inside begins to rise and the sensitive inner surface of the eye is slowly squeezed cutting off the blood supply to the optic nerve.

DAMAGE OCCURRED DUE TO GLAUCOMA CANNOT BE RECTIFIED.

TYPES OF GLAUCOMA
. Chronic Open angle glaucoma
. Acute or Angle closure Glaucoma
. Congenital Glaucoma
. Secondary Glaucoma

CHRONIC OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA
It accounts for majority of Glaucoma cases. It occurs mainly in people who are forty or older. This condition can also be hereditary i.e. it may pase down from parents to children.
Central vision and reading vision remains good and there is a gradual loss of field of vision. The central field of vision can be lost if not treated in the early stages.
Condition usually responds well to treatment

ACUTE / ANGLE CLOSURE GLAUCOMA
This occurs when there is sudden or drastic increase of pressure inside the eye. Aqueous humor is not able to reach the drainage system although the outlet channels are normal. If not treated immediately, it can cause permanent damage to eye eye in a very short time.Symptoms are sever pain in the eye, blurred vision, redness, appearance of halos around lights and vomiting.
CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA Also known as buphthalmos is present at birth. Symptoms are enlargement of infant's eye, tearing and unusual sensitivity to light.
SECONDARY GLAUCOMA It is caused due to a specific anomaly or disease of the eye, tumors, injury, cataract in it's advanced stages, eye surgery etc...


How is loss of vision due to Glaucoma prevented?
Glaucoma can be controlled by daily use of prescription eye drops, but occasionally may require surgery. Having your eyes checked regularly can help catch problems early.

TESTS FOR GLAUCOMA
TONOMETER
It is an instrument used to measure the pressure of the eye.
. Shiotz Tonometer This is the old method of measuring pressure of the eye where anaesthetic eyedroops are put in the eye and an instrument is placed in contact with the cornea to measure pressure.
. Non Contact tonometer With the latest equipment, pressure of the eye can be measured with a puff of air. There is no burning, no contact.

GLAUCOMA CAN BE CONTROLLED WITH REGULAR MEDICATION

PERIMETER
In glaucoma, the peripheral field of vision (side vision) is affected first while the central vision may remain normal. We can detect glaucoma at an early stage by field test known as "Perimetry".

TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA
. Medication (eyedrops or tablets)
. Surgery
. Laser therapy
The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the greater the chances of success in preventing vision loss. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, in most of the cases it can be successfully controlled. The type of therapy depends on the form of glaucoma. Advanced pharmacological medications (eye drops or tablets) successfully control glaucoma. Laser treatment and Surgical procedures are helpful where medicines don't help. It is very important to remember that treatment for glaucoma is to prevent further loss of sight by keeping the eye pressure under control, while the sight already lost cannot be regained. A normal eye pressure after treatment implies that the condition is controlled rather than cured. Therefore patient should use the medications faithfully and visit the doctor for regular eye examination.

Who are at high risk for Glaucoma?
. Peoplw over 60
. Hereditary - people with family history
. Steroid user
. Those with an Eye Injury

The best way to detect glaucoma is to have yearly eye examination including eye pressure check-up and optic nerve head examination by Ophthalmologist after the age of 40 yeas. Use of local steroids can cause glaucoma.