Glaucoma Disease
Protect Vision Before It’s Lost
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). It develops silently and can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected early.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the structure responsible for carrying visual signals to the brain. In many cases, this damage is caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), though it can also occur even when pressure is within normal range.
It progresses slowly and often without early symptoms, which is why regular eye examinations are essential.
Increased Eye Pressure
Blocked drainage raises IOP and damages the optic nerve.
Genetic Factors
Family history significantly increases the risk.
Steroid Use
Long-term steroid medications may elevate eye pressure.
Eye Injuries
Trauma can lead to secondary glaucoma.
Poor Optic Nerve Blood Supply
Common in normal-tension glaucoma.
TYPES OF GLAUCOMA
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Most common type. Vision loss is gradual and painless, usually detected during routine check-ups.
Congenital Glaucoma
Present at birth due to improper development of the drainage system.
Acute / Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Sudden blockage of drainage angle causing rapid pressure rise. It is an emergency condition.
Pigmentary Glaucoma
Pigment from the iris blocks drainage channels, increasing pressure.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Optic nerve damage occurs even when eye pressure is within normal range.
Secondary Glaucoma
Caused by injury, inflammation, tumors, steroid use, or other eye diseases.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Headache and eye pain
- Redness in eyes
- Changes in eye color
Causes of Glaucoma
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Genetic predisposition
- Eye injuries
- Long-term steroid use
- Eye diseases (uveitis, retinal detachment)
- Congenital defects
- Thin corneas
- Poor optic nerve blood supply
Early Management (Non-Surgical)
In early stages, glaucoma is managed by lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
However, damage already caused cannot be reversed.
Prescription Eye Drops
First-line treatment. Reduces fluid production or improves drainage. Must be used daily and lifelong.
Regular Monitoring
IOP check-ups, visual field tests, and optic nerve scans are essential even if vision feels normal.
Oral Medications
Used when eye drops alone are not effective.
Glaucoma Treatment Overview
Laser Therapy
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) – for angle-closure glaucoma
- Laser Trabeculoplasty – for open-angle glaucoma
- Outpatient procedure
Surgical Treatment
- Trabeculectomy – creates new drainage channel
- Drainage Implants – tube shunts
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Diurnal IOP Monitoring
- Eye pressure measured every two hours
- Detects hidden pressure fluctuations
- Helps guide treatment timing
- Prevents progressive damage
