Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is essential for clear vision.

Our Services

Damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss, often starting with peripheral vision and gradually progressing to central vision. Glaucoma often has no early warning signs. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment, which can help prevent further vision loss.

Symptoms

Diagnostic Equipment at ECOS

Non Contact Tonometer (NCT) to check Eye pressure

Glaucoma often has no early symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial. However, some possible symptoms of glaucoma may include:

• Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision

• Blurred vision

• Seeing halos around lights

• Eye pain or discomfort

Important Note:

These symptoms can vary depending on the type of glaucoma. Some people with glaucoma may not experience any symptoms at all.

Whom it affects?

Normal Vision

Early Stage Glaucoma

Drainage Canal Blocked

High pressure damages optic nerve

In many cases, glaucoma is associated with increased pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). This pressure can damage the delicate fibers of the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.

Normal Eye

Eye with Glaucoma

Advanced Glaucoma

Extreme Glaucoma

Glaucoma can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. However, certain factors increase the risk:

• The risk of glaucoma increases with age, especially after the age of 60.

• If you have a family history of glaucoma, your risk is higher.

• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, can increase the risk of glaucoma.

• Past eye injuries can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

• Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications (like those used for asthma or arthritis) can increase the risk of glaucoma.

Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) for checking Perimetry

Treatment

The most common initial treatment for Glaucoma involves the use of eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). Often, a combination of eye drops is necessary to effectively lower IOP, and the specific regimen is determined by an ophthalmologist based on individual patient needs.

When medications fail to adequately control IOP, laser therapy may be considered. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a common laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma, while Laser Peripheral Iridotomy is used for closed-angle glaucoma.

If both medications and laser therapy prove ineffective, surgical intervention such as trabeculectomy (filtration surgery) may be necessary to create a new channel for fluid drainage from the eye.

Eye Drops

Laser Eye Treatment

Glaucoma Surgery