What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which sends visual signals to the brain. When the optic nerve gets damaged, the brain does not receive all the signals being sent.

Usually, symptoms of loss of peripheral vision are not noticeable by the patient as it is a gradual event. Some people may present with dull aching headaches, heaviness of the eyes, redness, or haloes of light around objects.

What Causes Glaucoma?

A healthy eye produces a fluid called aqueous humor which nourishes its internal parts. Normally, there is an equal production and drainage of this fluid, resulting in constant, healthy pressure within the eye (Intraocular Pressure or IOP).

High intraocular pressure occurs when the drainage system (called the trabecular meshwork) is blocked, and the fluid cannot drain at a normal rate. This increased pressure pushes against the optic nerve, causing gradual damage and vision loss, usually starting with the peripheral or side vision.

Intraocular pressure is currently the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma.

What are the Different Types of Glaucoma?

  • Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type. It damages vision gradually and painlessly.
  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Causes a sudden, acute attack of high pressure due to the draining angle getting blocked. This is a medical emergency and causes severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and a severe red eye.
  • Congenital Glaucoma: Present from birth due to a defect that slows fluid drainage.
  • Secondary Glaucoma: Caused by other conditions like eye injuries, inflammation, advanced cataracts, or long-term steroid use.
  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs even in people with normal eye pressure.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

A comprehensive eye check-up by an ophthalmologist is the only way to detect glaucoma. At our Bandra clinic, we use advanced diagnostics:

  • Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP) Check: Performed with tonometers. Normal IOP is about 12-21 mm.
  • Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, which is crucial for accurately interpreting your IOP reading.
  • Gonioscopy: Evaluates the eye's drainage angle to determine the type of glaucoma and best treatment option.
  • Perimetry (Visual Field Test): The gold standard for evaluating the extent of peripheral vision loss and monitoring progression.
  • OCT of Nerve Fibre Layer: The most advanced technology to detect retinal nerve fibre layer thinning around the optic nerve, often before any vision loss is noticed by the patient.

How is Glaucoma Treated?

The main goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure in the eye. Treatment must be aggressive to control the IOP to safe levels as fast as possible. This can be done with eye drops, tablets, laser procedures, or surgery.

Usually, treatment begins with prescription eye drops. It is critical to understand that these medications must be used lifelong to manage the condition and prevent further vision loss. Periodic follow-ups are essential.

Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can strike anyone, but some people are at a much greater risk:

  • Patients with a family history of glaucoma.
  • Patients over 45 years of age.
  • Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Patients with high myopia (nearsightedness).
  • Anyone with a previous eye injury or long-term steroid use.

Glaucoma Facts: A Warning

Glaucoma is the second major cause of blindness in India, affecting 11 million people. It is often called the **"Sneak Thief of Sight"** because it is painless, symptomless, and the vision loss is irreversible.

Like diabetes, glaucoma cannot be cured, but it **can be managed**. Early detection, prevention, and regular treatment are the keys to safeguarding your sight.

Diagram showing optic nerve damage from glaucoma Diagram of intraocular pressure and fluid flow in the eye
Top Q&A

Your Glaucoma Questions Answered by Bandra Experts

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye's optic nerve, which is vital for vision. It's usually caused by high fluid pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). This damage is irreversible and can lead to blindness if not treated.

This is the main danger: the most common type of glaucoma (open-angle) has **no symptoms** until significant, irreversible vision loss has occurred. It's painless and slowly steals your peripheral (side) vision first. This is why it's called the "sneak thief of sight." An acute (angle-closure) attack is a rare emergency that causes severe pain, redness, and nausea.

You are at a higher risk if you:

  • Have a family history of glaucoma.
  • Are over 45 years old.
  • Have diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Have high myopia (nearsightedness).
  • Have had a previous eye injury or use steroids.
Regular check-ups are essential if you are in a high-risk group.

We perform a comprehensive exam. The only way to detect glaucoma is through tests. This includes checking your eye pressure (IOP), measuring your corneal thickness (Pachymetry), examining your eye's drainage angle (Gonioscopy), and advanced scans like OCT and Perimetry (visual field test) to check for optic nerve damage.

No, glaucoma cannot be cured, and any vision lost from it is irreversible. However, with early detection and regular treatment (like medicated eye drops or surgery), it can be effectively managed to control the eye pressure and prevent further vision loss, allowing you to maintain your quality of life.