WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, often associated with increased eye pressure. In many cases, glaucoma develops gradually without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye examinations important for early detection. Although glaucoma-related vision loss cannot usually be reversed, timely treatment can help slow or prevent further damage and protect the vision you still have.
Early Detection
Regular glaucoma screening can help detect changes before noticeable vision loss occurs.
Detailed Eye Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment of eye pressure, optic nerve health and visual field.
Personalized Treatment
Treatment plans are tailored to the type and severity of glaucoma and individual eye health.
Vision Protection
Ongoing monitoring and treatment help slow disease progression and protect remaining vision.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma has several forms. The type of glaucoma, its severity, and the condition of the optic nerve determine the appropriate monitoring and treatment approach.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common type, which often develops gradually without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Occurs when eye fluid drainage becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure and potentially severe eye pain, redness, and blurred vision.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Optic nerve damage can occur even when measured eye pressure is within the usual range.
Secondary Glaucoma
Glaucoma that develops due to another eye condition, medical condition, injury, or certain medications.
Congenital & Pediatric Glaucoma
A rare form that affects babies or children and may require early specialist evaluation and treatment.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called a “silent” eye disease because early glaucoma may have no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, peripheral vision loss and blind spots may develop.
Often No Early Symptoms
Glaucoma can develop gradually without noticeable changes in vision.Loss of Peripheral Vision
Side vision may gradually become reduced.Blind Spots
Areas of missing vision may appear as glaucoma progresses.Difficulty Seeing in Daily Activities
Advanced vision loss may interfere with everyday activities.Blurred Vision
Some forms of glaucoma may cause blurred vision, particularly during acute episodes.Eye Pain & Redness
Sudden intense eye pain, redness, nausea and blurred vision can occur with acute angle-closure glaucoma and require urgent medical attention.Advanced Glaucoma Diagnosis & Evaluation at
Deshpande Eye Hospital
A comprehensive glaucoma evaluation helps assess eye pressure, optic nerve health and visual function. Different tests may be combined to identify glaucoma and monitor changes over time.
Early Glaucoma Detection
Eye Pressure Management
Optic Nerve Monitoring
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Long-Term Vision Protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can glaucoma occur without high eye pressure?
Yes. Although high eye pressure is an important risk factor, glaucoma can also occur when measured eye pressure is within the usual range. The susceptibility of the optic nerve varies between individuals.
What causes glaucoma?
The exact cause varies by type. In many forms, impaired drainage of fluid inside the eye can increase eye pressure and contribute to optic-nerve damage. However, glaucoma can also occur without elevated eye pressure.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
A comprehensive glaucoma evaluation may include eye-pressure measurement (tonometry), visual-field testing, optic-nerve examination, gonioscopy, corneal thickness measurement, and imaging such as OCT, depending on the patient’s condition.
What is an eye pressure test for glaucoma?
An eye-pressure test, called tonometry, measures the pressure inside the eye. It is an important part of glaucoma evaluation, although eye pressure alone cannot confirm or rule out glaucoma.
What is a visual field test for glaucoma?
A visual-field test evaluates how well you can see across different areas of your field of vision, including your peripheral vision. It helps doctors detect and monitor vision loss associated with glaucoma.
What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
Glaucoma treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, eye pressure, optic-nerve health, and individual patient factors.
Can glaucoma be treated with eye drops?
Yes. Prescription eye drops are one of the most common treatments for glaucoma. They generally work by lowering eye pressure and helping prevent further optic-nerve damage. They need to be used consistently as prescribed.
What is laser treatment for glaucoma?
Laser treatment uses a focused beam of light to help improve the drainage of fluid from the eye or address specific types of glaucoma. The type of laser procedure depends on the glaucoma diagnosis.
When is glaucoma surgery required?
Surgery may be considered when eye drops or laser treatment do not provide adequate pressure control, or when the glaucoma requires a surgical approach. The procedure selected depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.
Can glaucoma vision loss be reversed?
Vision already lost because of glaucoma generally cannot be restored. However, appropriate treatment can help slow or prevent further optic-nerve damage and protect the vision that remains.
