Glaucoma Treatment & Surgery

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the cable that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It is frequently, though not always, linked to raised pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). Damage usually begins in side (peripheral) vision and progresses slowly. In angle-closure glaucoma, pressure can rise suddenly, which is a medical emergency.

Symptoms & signs

• Often no symptoms in the early stages
• Gradual loss of side vision
• Seeing coloured haloes around lights
• Sudden eye pain, redness, headache, nausea and blurred vision (acute angle-closure — seek urgent care)
• Frequent change of reading glasses in some patients

Causes & risk factors

• Raised intraocular pressure
• Family history of glaucoma
• Age above 40
• Diabetes, high blood pressure or high myopia
• Long-term steroid use
• Previous eye injury or inflammation

Who needs this treatment?

• Adults over 40, especially with a family history
• Patients with high eye pressure found during routine examination
• People diagnosed with glaucoma whose pressure is not controlled with drops
• Patients with narrow angles at risk of angle closure

How it is diagnosed

• Tonometry to measure eye pressure
• Gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle
• Optic nerve evaluation through dilated examination
• Visual field (perimetry) testing
• OCT scan of the optic nerve fibre layer
• Pachymetry (corneal thickness)

Treatment options

Procedure / what to expect

1. Detailed evaluationPressure, angle, optic nerve and visual field assessment to stage the disease.
2. Choosing treatmentDrops, laser or surgery is planned based on the type and severity of glaucoma.
3. Surgery (if advised)Performed under local anaesthesia; a controlled drainage channel is created.
4. Post-operative monitoringFrequent early visits to check pressure and healing.
5. Lifelong follow-upGlaucoma needs regular reviews even when pressure is controlled.

Benefits

• Helps protect remaining vision
• Can reduce the need for multiple eye drops (surgical options)
• Structured monitoring with objective tests
• Treatment tailored to glaucoma type and stage

Technology used

• Applanation tonometry
• Automated perimetry (visual field analysis)
• OCT for optic nerve assessment
• Laser systems for iridotomy and related procedures

Specific equipment models: to be confirmed by the hospital

Recovery

• After laser, most people resume routine activities soon
• After surgery, recovery takes a few weeks with frequent follow-up
• Use drops strictly on schedule
• Report pain, redness or reduced vision promptly

Precautions

• Never stop glaucoma drops without your doctor's advice
• Bring all your medicines to each visit
• Inform other doctors that you have glaucoma, especially before steroid treatment
• Keep follow-up appointments — glaucoma often has no warning signs

Frequently asked questions

Why choose Jawahar Eye Hospital?

• Specialist-led diagnosis and treatment planning
• Modern diagnostics and surgical systems
• Clear explanation of options, risks and costs
• Day-care procedures wherever appropriate
• Structured follow-up after treatment
• Convenient location on Delhi Road, Meerut