MN Eye Hospitals...

Glaucoma Services

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in India and world wide. M.N. eyehospital is equipped with investigation like Non Contact Tonometer, Pachymetry, video slit lamp bio-microscopic photography, gonioscopy, stereoscopic disc evaluation, optic disc photography to diagnose and record the advancement of disease.

The latest investigations like UBM & OCT are also available at M.N. Eye Hospital.

Different kinds of laser and surgical treatment for glaucoma like

G- probe LASER system
SLT & ALT
YAG LASER
Anti glaucoma surgeries
Combined glaucoma and cataract surgeries are also available.

Introduction

Glaucoma is a disease which affects the optic nerve of the eye that carries visual signals to the brain. Higheyepressure is the most common risk factor for developing glaucoma. It causes reduction in one’s field of vision initially, affecting the central vision only in late stages and thus remains largely assymptomatic in the early stages. Hence regular screening of high risk patients is recommended. The risk factors include a family history of glaucoma, people on steroid medication, presence of high refractive errors, history of eye trauma or inflammation or eye surgery in the past and increasing age. The treatment primarily revolves around lowering eye pressure by various means including drops, laser and surgeries.

Investigation

Tonometer-tomeasureeyepressure

Tonometer - to measure eye pressure
- Applanation tonometer
- Noncontact Tonometer
Perimetry – to evaluate the field of vision
Gonioscopy – To assess the drainage channel of the eye called the angle
Optical Coherence Tomography of anterior and posterior segment – Is a scan to study the angle structure anteriorly and structure of the optic nerve posteriorly.
Pachymetry – To measure the thickness of the cornea which influences the measured eye pressure

Procedure:

1. YAG Peripheral Iridotomy - to create a bypass opening when the drainage channel of the angle is narrow or closed.

2. Selective laser trabeculoplasty - to facilitate easy flow of fluid through the drainage channel in open angle glaucoma.

3. Diode Cyclophotocoagulation - to reduce eye pressure in late stages of glaucoma.

Surgeries:

1. Trabeculectomy - Time-tested procedure for reducing eye pressure by creating an opening for fluid from the eye to drain outside.

2. Glaucoma Shunt Surgery - An implant with or without valve is placed under the conjunctiva which drains the fluid from inside the eye.

3. MIGS (Microinvasive glaucoma surgeries) - Through minimal incision and from within the eye, the drainage channel for fluid is deroofed (goniotomy) or a micro bypass implant is used to facilitate fluid drainage, thereby reducing eye pressure.

FAQ

1. Is blindness inevitable if I have glaucoma? No. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment and patient cooperation can prevent blindness from glaucoma.

2. Can glaucoma be cured? Glaucoma is a chronic disease like hypertension and diabetes that can be kept under control, but lifelong follow-up is often required as it can slowly progress over time.

3. Why is it important to diagnose glaucoma early? Glaucoma causes vision damage that is irreversible. Early diagnosis helps preserve maximum vision and prevents further progression.

4. Is it important to follow the timing and dosage of anti-glaucoma medication? Absolutely. The medications are prescribed based on your eye pressure and extent of nerve damage. It is important to follow the dosage and frequency as advised for the medication to work effectively.

5. Who is at risk for glaucoma? People with a family history of glaucoma, past eye injuries or inflammation, or any other eye surgery, those on steroid medication, those with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, and people over 50 years of age should have their eyes tested at least annually.