Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which result in damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. A major risk factor is increased pressure in the eye. The disorders can be roughly divided into two main categories: “open-angle” and “closed-angle” (or “angle closure”) glaucoma. Open-angle chronic glaucoma is painless, tends to develop slowly over time and often has no symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. Closed angle glaucoma is usually chronic and asymptomatic but can present all of a sudden as well. This involves sudden eye pain, blurred vision, mid-dilated pupil, redness, nausea and vomiting, resulting from a sudden spike in intraocular pressure from iridotrabecular contact. Glaucoma can permanently damage vision in the affected eye, first by decreasing peripheral vision (reducing the visual field), and then potentially leading to blindness if left untreated.

The nerve damage involves loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern. Raised intraocular pressure (above 21 mmHg or 2.8 kPa) is the most important and only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma.

If the condition is detected early enough, it is possible to arrest the development or slow the progression with medical and surgical means. Open angle chronic glaucoma is treated with either glaucoma medication to lower the pressure, or with various pressure-reducing glaucoma surgeries. Treatment of closed angle glaucoma involves medication to bring the intraocular pressure down and laser surgery to the iris to open the drainage angle and hence reduce the eye pressure.

Glaucoma has been called the “silent thief of sight” because the loss of vision often occurs gradually over a long period, and symptoms only occur when the disease is quite advanced. Worldwide, glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness after cataracts.

This is called the silent killer of vision. So early Diagnosis and regular follow up is very important in controlling this condition and preventing any long term visual loss.

Param Jyoti has advanced equipment and experts for diagnosis and treatment of Glaucoma.

In view of the critical nature of the problem, Param Jyoti has initiated a wellness programme for Galucoma patients – known as GLAUCOMA SIGHT SAVER PROGRAM.

Dr. Maneesh Aggarwal [MBBS, MS, DNB, MNAMS], Senior Cataract Surgeon and Ophthalmologist