What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disorder that causes direct optic nerve damage (that carries information to the brain) in the eye, leading to permanent vision loss if left untreated. It is primarily due to an increase in the eye's pressure (due to fluid in the eye) and is generally inherited. Glaucoma usually occurs in both eyes, but the extent of damage may vary.
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Overview of the Human Eye
The eyes are our organ of sight. It has several components, which include the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic nerve, choroid, and vitreous.
Cornea: It is mainly responsible for focusing the light in our eyes. It is the eye's clear front surface, which acts like a camera lens. The colored iris and the pupil (a black dot) can be seen clearly through the cornea. The cornea helps to focus the entering light on the retina, a light-sensitive film located at the back of the eye. The picture formed at the retina is then passed on to the brain.
However, when the cornea is damaged or diseased, it becomes less transparent or can change shape, preventing the light from reaching the retina and transmitting a distorted or unclear image to the brain.
Iris: Iris of the eye functions like the diaphragm of a camera. It controls the light's amount reaching the back of the eye by automatically adjusting the pupil's size.
Accommodation: The eye's crystalline lens is located directly behind the pupil and further focuses the light through a process known as accommodation. This lens helps the eye to focus on near and approaching objects, similar to an autofocus camera.
Retina: Light focused by the cornea and crystalline lens reaches the retina. The retina is like an electronic image sensor of a digital camera, which converts optical images into electronic signals. The optic nerve then transfers these signals to the cortex so that you can see.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a "silent thief." It causes damage to the eye permanently. The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the stage and type of the condition.
Open-Angle Glaucoma:
- Shows no symptoms in the early stage
- Gradually increase patchy spots in the side vision
- People can't see things in central vision in the later stage
Acute-Angle Closure Glaucoma:
- Severe headache and eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Redness in eye
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
- Shows no symptoms in the early stage
- In the later stage, blurred vision or loss of side vision
Pigmentary Glaucoma:
- Blurred vision
- Gradual loss of side vision
- Halos around lights
What are the Risk Factors of Glaucoma?
The risk factors for glaucoma include:
- Age, mostly in people above 60 years of age
- Ethnicity
- Family history
- Center cornea thickness less than 0.5mm
- High myopia
- Previous eye injury
- Hypertension
- Steroid users
What is the diagnosis of Glaucoma?
Diagnosis is based on the following:
Detailed patient history
This includes signs, symptoms, and any associated risk factors.
Physical examination
Through examination of the eye takes place.
Investigations -
- Tonometry test- Test of inner eye pressure.
- Slit lamp examination - It is a method to see the eyes through an illuminated slit light (3-D view).
- Ophthalmoscopy - To examine the optic nerve's shape and color.
- Perimetry (Visual field test) - Testing your field of vision.
- Pachymetry - Thickness of the cornea
- Gonioscopy - To examine the eye angle where the iris meets the cornea.
At What Age Can I Get Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can occur at any stage but is more common in people over 60. People with a history of glaucoma and diabetes are more prone to this disease. It is the leading cause of blindness for older adults.
The risk of glaucoma increases with age, and the most specific type of open-angle glaucoma is age-related.
What are the Treatment Options for Glaucoma?
Treatment depends on the severity of glaucoma:
Conservative management
Lifestyle modification by healthy lifestyle & regular check–ups.
Eye drops
This helps to reduce the formation of the aqueous medium in the eye or channel its outflow. It, therefore, helps maintain accurate eye pressure by reducing the chances of optic nerve damage. Some eye drops can cause side effects like -
- Allergy
- Blurriness
- Redness of the eye
- Damage to the heart and lungs
Is Laser Surgery Successful for Glaucoma?
Laser surgery is successful for most people but only works for some. You must wait 4-6 weeks to determine if the treatment worked.
Laser surgery helps increase the outflow of the fluid in the eye, therefore maintaining the intraocular pressure.
Various types of laser surgery are -
- Trabeculoplasty- in this procedure, the trabecular mesh is pulled out to increase the outflow.
- Iridotomy- In this procedure, a small hole is made in the iris to ease the outflow of the fluid present in the eye.
- Cyclophotocoagulation- Here, the laser treats the area of the middle eye reducing the intraocular flow.
Many people need to take medicine even after laser treatment.
Can Glaucoma Be Treated Permanently?
There is no cure for glaucoma, but you can prevent your vision loss if it is caught early. Proper medication and healthy life can improve a glaucoma patient's health.
What are the Complications of Glaucoma?
The main complication of glaucoma is loss of vision, which cannot be repaired.
- Stress and interference in day-to-day activities (like driving, reading, etc.)
- Anger, guilt, frustration, depression
- Expensive treatment (for economically deprived)
How can Glaucoma be Prevented?
Glaucoma can be prevented by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Maintaining blood pressure at a normal level.
- Don't smoke.
- Limit caffeine intake
- Regular exercise
- Preventing overexposure to sunlight
- Get regular, comprehensive eye exams
Is Glaucoma a Lifetime?
Yes, glaucoma is a lifelong condition that can't be cured permanently. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, you must use eye drops daily.
Glaucoma Treatment in India
As a top medical travel destination, India provides cost-effective treatment to its international patients. The country houses numerous eminent and experienced ophthalmologists and ophthalmology hospitals with excellent facilities, infrastructure, and modern medical technologies.
Technologies like the new Keratome for Extra Thin Flap LASIK, Glaucoma Detection and Investigation Equipment, and Oculoplasty Unit with surgical procedures for plastic eye surgery are all equipped within the ophthalmology hospitals.
What is the Cost of Glaucoma Surgery in India?
Glaucoma treatment in India is much more affordable than in any other country. The cost of its treatment in India is approximately USD 800 - 1000.
That's why patients from all over the world prefer India for glaucoma treatment. Here they can find top specialists at an affordable cost.
To Conclude
Glaucoma can occur at any age. That's why it is vital to have regular eye exams to measure your eye pressure. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be easily prevented. Proper monitoring of the eyes is necessary to avoid any complications. If you are looking for a cost-effective and high-quality treatment for glaucoma, you can prefer India.
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