Glaucoma
Trust the Advanced Centre For Eyes in Ludhiana for comprehensive glaucoma services. Expert care for preserving your vision and eye health.
At the Advanced Centre For Eyes, we are dedicated to providing exceptional glaucoma services to our patients. Our experienced team of eye care professionals understands the importance of early detection and effective management of glaucoma, a condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. We offer complete glaucoma care, utilizing diagnostic tools and treatments to preserve and protect your vision. Our personalized approach ensures that each patient receives tailored solutions, addressing their unique needs and ensuring the best possible outcomes. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we strive to empower our patients, enhance their quality of life, and safeguard their vision for years to come.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
During the initial stages of glaucoma, there are typically no apparent symptoms. Unfortunately, by the time a patient notices a decrease in their vision, the damage to their eyesight is often already quite advanced. Therefore, it is crucial to undergo regular eye check-ups, particularly after the age of 40. The symptoms experienced may vary depending on the type of glaucoma (open-angle or closed-angle), and can include:
- Gradual and painless loss of vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Headaches or browaches
- Nausea accompanied by severe eye pain
- Blurred vision, especially at night
- Loss of peripheral or side vision
Glaucoma Investigations – Basic Test
At the Advanced Centre For Eyes, we offer a range of glaucoma investigations to help diagnose and monitor the condition. Here is an overview of the basic tests we use:
- Intraocular Pressure Measurement: This test, known as tonometry, measures the pressure inside your eye. It helps identify elevated intraocular pressure, which is a common risk factor for glaucoma.
- Visual Field Testing: Also called perimetry, this test assesses your peripheral and central vision. It helps identify any visual field defects caused by glaucoma damage to the optic nerve.
- Optic Nerve Evaluation: We use various techniques, including ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT), to assess the health and structure of your optic nerve. These tests help detect any signs of glaucoma-related damage.
- Gonioscopy: This examination involves using a special lens to visualize the drainage angle of your eye. It helps determine if there are any blockages or abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system, which can contribute to elevated intraocular pressure.
- Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of your cornea. Corneal thickness can influence intraocular pressure measurements, so it is an essential factor to consider when evaluating glaucoma risk.
- Corneal Hysteresis: This test evaluates the biomechanical properties of the cornea, providing additional information about your risk for developing glaucoma or disease progression.
Advanced Glaucoma Tests
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test uses light waves to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, optic nerve, and macula. OCT provides precise measurements of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, optic nerve head parameters, and macular thickness, helping us assess glaucoma progression and response to treatment.
- HRT (Heidelberg Retinal Tomography): This imaging technique captures 3D images of the optic nerve head and retina to evaluate changes and assess the structural damage caused by glaucoma. HRT aids in the early detection, diagnosis, and progression monitoring of glaucoma.
- Visual Field Analysis: Advanced visual field analysis techniques, such as frequency-doubling technology (FDT) and short wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP), can detect glaucomatous visual field defects at an early stage. These tests evaluate the sensitivity and responsiveness of different regions of the visual field.
- Electroretinography (ERG): ERG measures the electrical responses generated by the retina in response to light stimulation. This test helps evaluate the function of the retinal cells affected by glaucoma, providing valuable information about the disease’s impact on visual function.
Services
FAQ
Most Popular Questions
Glaucoma, also known as Kala motia, refers to a group of sight-threatening diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve resulting from increased pressure within the eye. Often referred to as the 'Sneak Thief of Sight', it can silently diminish your vision without any noticeable symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred. It is a critical condition that should never be overlooked, as early detection and consistent treatment are crucial for preserving your eyesight.
To detect glaucoma in its early stages, the most effective approach is to undergo a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an eye specialist. This examination encompasses various assessments, including vision testing, measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), evaluating the drainage angle of the eyes, and examining the optic nerve. If you possess risk factors for glaucoma, such as elevated eye pressure, narrow angles, or abnormal optic disc appearance, your eye specialist may recommend additional specialized tests to further evaluate your condition. These tests are crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of glaucoma.
There are several types of glaucoma, including:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): This is the most common type of glaucoma. It develops gradually and is characterized by increased eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Also known as closed-angle glaucoma, it occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked or narrowed, leading to a sudden increase in eye pressure. This is considered a medical emergency.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this type, damage to the optic nerve occurs despite normal intraocular pressure levels. The exact cause is not fully understood.
- Congenital Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is present at birth or develops during early childhood due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
- Secondary Glaucoma: This form of glaucoma is caused by other underlying conditions such as eye injuries, eye inflammation, certain medications, or other eye diseases.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma: This type occurs when pigment granules from the iris accumulate and block the drainage angle, leading to increased eye pressure.
- Exfoliative Glaucoma: It is associated with the accumulation of flaky material on various structures within the eye, including the drainage angle, leading to increased eye pressure.
Glaucoma is typically treated through a combination of methods aimed at reducing intraocular pressure and preserving the health of the optic nerve. The treatment options may include:
- Eye Drops: Prescription eye drops are commonly used to lower intraocular pressure by either reducing the production of fluid in the eye or improving its drainage. It is important to use these eye drops as directed by your eye specialist and to follow the recommended dosage schedule.
- Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to lower eye pressure. These medications work by either reducing fluid production or increasing its drainage.
- Laser Therapy: Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure that uses a high-energy laser to improve fluid drainage in the eye. This treatment is typically performed in an outpatient setting and can help lower intraocular pressure.
- Surgical Procedures: If eye drops and laser therapy are not effective in controlling glaucoma, surgical procedures may be considered. These procedures aim to create new drainage channels or improve the existing ones to facilitate fluid outflow from the eye.
- Micro-invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): This is a newer category of surgical procedures that are less invasive than traditional surgeries. MIGS procedures aim to reduce eye pressure by enhancing the drainage of fluid from the eye.
The specific treatment approach will depend on the type and severity of glaucoma. Regular follow-up visits to your eye specialist are necessary to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the chosen treatment and make any necessary adjustments.