Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure. This damage can lead to irreversible vision loss. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving vision.

The most common cause of glaucoma is increased eye pressure (IOP) due to poor drainage of aqueous humor in the eye. Other causes include genetic factors, age, and conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or high blood pressure.

In the early stages, glaucoma may have no symptoms. As it progresses, you may experience:

• Peripheral vision loss
• Halos around lights
• Blurred vision
• In angle-closure glaucoma, sudden symptoms like eye pain, nausea, and severe headache may occur.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, where the drainage angle of the eye remains open but has poor fluid drainage, leading to elevated eye pressure. It often progresses slowly without symptoms.

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris is pushed forward, blocking the drainage angle, leading to a sudden increase in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Yes, if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to complete blindness. It typically starts with peripheral vision loss and gradually affects central vision, making early treatment essential.

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:

• Eye pressure measurement (tonometry)
• Optic nerve examination (ophthalmoscopy)
• Visual field testing
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detailed imaging

Treatment options for glaucoma include:

• Medications (eye drops)
• Laser treatment (SLT or YAG laser)
• Surgical procedures (Ahmed Glaucoma Valve, Trabeculectomy)
  The goal is to reduce eye pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.

The Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) is a surgically implanted device that helps control intraocular pressure (IOP) by providing an alternative drainage route for fluid in the eye.

Laser treatments like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and YAG laser iridotomy help reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage. These treatments are minimally invasive and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

While glaucoma cannot be prevented, early detection and treatment can effectively manage the disease and prevent significant vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial for at-risk individuals.

Common risk factors include:

• Age over 40
• Family history of glaucoma
• High eye pressure
• Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high myopia
• Ethnicity (higher risk in African-American and Asian populations)

Yes, genetics plays a significant role in glaucoma. If you have a family history of the disease, you are at higher risk and should undergo regular eye exams starting at an earlier age.

Glaucoma can often be controlled without surgery using:

• Prescription eye drops (e.g., prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers)
• Oral medications (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors)
• Laser therapy (SLT, YAG)

Common side effects of glaucoma medications may include:

• Eye irritation or burning
• Redness in the eyes
• Changes in eye color
• Dry eyes or blurred vision

Consult your ophthalmologist for adjustments if you experience discomfort.

Glaucoma surgeries, including trabeculectomy, tube shunt surgery, and AGV implant, typically have a high success rate in lowering intraocular pressure and preventing vision loss, with minimal complications.

Yes, glaucoma can affect both eyes. It usually begins in one eye and progresses over time, but both eyes may eventually be involved. Regular monitoring is important to detect changes early.

The optic nerve carries visual information from the retina to the brain. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss, particularly in the peripheral vision field.

While natural remedies cannot cure glaucoma, maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can support eye health. However, medical treatment is essential.

Ashu Laser Vision and Ashu Eye Hospital in Andheri, Mumbai provide the best advanced glaucoma treatments with experienced specialists, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and modern surgical techniques like AGV implants and GATT surgery.