What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an optic nerve disease where the nerve fibers that carry visual information from the eye to the brain get progressively damaged.

The optic nerve contains over a million nerve fibers, and any damage to these fibers can result in permanent vision loss.

In most cases, this damage occurs due to:

• Increased eye pressure
• Poor blood supply to the optic nerve
• Fluid drainage issues inside the eye

Why is Glaucoma Dangerous?

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because:

• It has no early symptoms
• Vision loss starts from peripheral vision
• Damage is permanent and irreversible

Many patients don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant vision loss occurs.

Types of Glaucoma:

1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

• Most common type (90% cases)
• Slow progression
• No early symptoms

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma

• Sudden increase in eye pressure
• Medical emergency
• Severe pain, redness, blurred vision

3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma

• Optic nerve damage despite normal pressure

4. Congenital Glaucoma

• Present at birth
• Rare but serious

Symptoms of Glaucoma:

Early Stage:

• Usually no symptoms

Advanced Stage:

• Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision
• Tunnel vision
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Eye pain (in acute cases)

Vision loss occurs slowly and may go unnoticed until advanced stages.

Causes of Glaucoma:

Glaucoma occurs when fluid (aqueous humor) builds up in the eye due to improper drainage, increasing eye pressure and damaging the optic nerve.

Common Causes:

• Blocked drainage channels
• Increased eye pressure
• Genetic factors
• Aging
• Eye injury or surgery

Risk Factors:

You are at higher risk if you:

• Are above 40–60 years
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Have diabetes or high blood pressure
• Use steroids for long periods
• Have high eye pressure

When Should You See a Doctor?

Consult an eye specialist immediately if you experience:

• Sudden vision loss
• Severe eye pain
• Blurred vision with headache
• Halos around lights

Early detection is critical to prevent blindness.

Diagnosis of Glaucoma:

A comprehensive eye exam includes:

• Tonometry – Measures eye pressure
• Ophthalmoscopy – Examines optic nerve
• Visual Field Test – Detects vision loss
• OCT Scan – Measures nerve fiber damage

These tests help detect glaucoma even before symptoms appear.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma :

Although glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, treatment can slow or stop progression.

🔹 Medications

• Eye drops to reduce pressure

🔹 Laser Treatment

• Improves fluid drainage

🔹 Surgery

• Creates new drainage pathways
• Used in advanced cases

Goal: Protect the optic nerve and prevent further vision loss.

Glaucoma Surgery Cost in India:

Estimated Cost Range:

• Medications: ₹500 – ₹2,000/month
• Laser treatment: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000
• Surgery: ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000

Recovery & Long-Term Management : 

• Glaucoma requires lifelong monitoring
• Regular eye check-ups are essential
• Vision lost cannot be restored, but progression can be controlled

Why Choose ASG Eye Hospital?

• Advanced glaucoma diagnostics (OCT, visual field analysis)
• Experienced glaucoma specialists
• Latest laser and surgical technologies
• 180+ hospitals across India
• Personalized treatment plans