What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye ( intraocular pressure or IOP ) This damage can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected & treated early.
Causative Factors
Increased Eye Pressure
Genetic Factors
Steroid Use
Eye Injuries
Poor Optic Nerve Blood Supply
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
Treatment
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
