Glaucoma Screening and Treatment
Glaucoma also known as the ‘Silent thief of Sight’ is a progressive degenerative disorder of optic nerve fibres leading to diminution in field of vision to begin with, leading to complete loss of vision in advanced stages.
According to eye doctors, everyone above 40 years of age should get their eyes checked by an eye doctor so as to detect any early signs or risk factors of glaucoma.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma is diagnosed on the basis of signs of optic nerve damage associated with:
- Raised intraocular pressure (measured by Tonometry)
- Narrow angles (visualised by Gonioscopy)
- Imaging tests such OCT RNFL(nerve fibre layer analysis) to quantify optic nerve damage.
- Visual field assessment( to monitor prognosis)
- Estimating corneal thickness (pachymetry) to get correct IOP measurement
How to treat Glaucoma?
Since the most important risk factor is Intraocular pressure, treatment is aimed at lowering the intraocular pressure by means of certain eyedrops
There are 5 main categories of eyedrops to treat glaucoma. Depending upon age, other comorbidities, type of glaucoma and target pressure to be achieved one or more drops can be prescribed.
- Betablockers
- Alpha-agonists
- Prostaglandin analogues
- Carbonic anhydrase Inhibitors
- Rho kinase inhibitors
What are other medical procedures that help in treating Glaucoma?
Besides the various categories of eyedrops , some forms of glaucoma may need special treatment in the form of:
Laser treatment
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy- In Narrow angle glaucoma, a small hole is made in the iris with the help of a laser to create an alternate drainage passage so as to loer the intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Laser trabeculoplasty- In certain cases of open angle glaucoma,wherein the trabecular meshwork is clogged due to dense pigment deposition as seen in dark skinned individuals,Trabeculoplasty can improve drainage system and lower the intraocular pressure. This may need to be repeated every six months
Filtering Surgery
With a surgery called a trabeculectomy, an eye specialist makes an opening in the white of the eye (sclera) and eliminates part of the trabecular meshwork.thus creating a wider drainage channel. This may be required when the disease is progressing despite maximal medical therapy.
Drainage tubes
In this technique, your eye specialist inserts a little shunt in your eye to drain away the aqueous to bring down your eye pressure.
Which is the best place to get the treatment for Glaucoma?
If anyone you know is facing similar eye problem, Orthovision eye clinic is the best eye care centre to seek an opinion regarding further course of management.
Before & After Gallery
Molten metal burn
After Tenonplasty
Corneal Opacity
After Cornea Transplant
Fuch’s Dystrophy
After DSAEK
Dr. Sridevi Haldar
DNB, FCRS
Cataract,Cornea & Refractive Eye Surgeon
Dr. Sridevi Haldar (Gunda) is an eminent eye surgeon providing expert services to leading city hospitals across Delhi NCR. She has been associated with Dr. Shroff Eye Hospital, Delhi; Venu Eye Institute, Saket and Sharpsight Centre in the past.
Qualification: After graduating in year 2005, she pursued her interest of specializing in the field of Ophthalmology and completed her post-graduation from world renowned, prestigious instate;”