Glaucoma is the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. In India alone, it affects around 12 million people; India is projected to become the world capital of glaucoma by 2020. The sight loss caused by glaucoma is progressive and, unlike cataract, is irreversible. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent blindness from glaucoma.
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is a disease of the nerve In which there is damage to the optic nerve (nerve for vision) vision caused by increased pressure in the eye.
HOW DOES GLAUCOMA OCCUR?
The inside of the eye contains a fluid, which is being produced and drained out of the eye constantly. It is drained through a sieve like structure situated at the angle between the transparent cornea and the brown coloured iris. When the drainage mechanism becomes ineffective, the pressure in the eye (intra-ocular pressure) increases leading to optic nerve damage which is called glaucoma.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma can lead to permanent loss of vision. Initially, the loss of vision starts from periphery and progressively affects the central vision. The central visual acuity is affected only in the advanced stage.
Progressive visual field loss with corresponding damage to optic nerve head in a patient suffering from GLAUCOMA.
Applanation Tonometry
Gonioscopy
Ultrasound Pachymetry
Humphrey Visual field analyzer (HFA)
FACILITIES
Medical management of glaucoma
Lasers- Peripheral Iridotomy, Trabeculoplasty, Iridoplasty
Sugeries – Trabeculectomy (TRAB), Glaucoma drainage devices (Ahmed Glaucoma Valve -AGV)
Cryopexy/DLCP for Painful Blind Eye due to Glaucoma