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Leading Eye Care Hospital in Thiruvalla.

Glaucoma


Glaucoma


Glaucoma, the primary cause of permanent blindness, impacts a significant number of individuals globally, with approximately 70 million people affected. Shockingly, around 10% of glaucoma patients experience complete blindness in both eyes.
This disease gradually damages and kills the nerve cells and fibers responsible for connecting the eye to the brain. In the early stages, patients often remain unaware as they may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms.
It's important to note that diagnosing glaucoma cannot rely solely on intraocular pressure levels, as individuals with normal or low pressures can still develop the condition. Similarly, not all patients with high intraocular pressure will develop glaucoma. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to accurately diagnose and manage this sight-threatening disease.



Diagnosing glaucoma requires a comprehensive approach involving extensive clinical evaluation and specialized testing to detect the condition at an early stage. Consequently, routine eye examinations conducted by ophthalmologists often play a crucial role in identifying patients with glaucoma.

At our facility, we offer advanced eye microsurgery techniques that enable effective glaucoma treatment and surgical interventions. Our aim is to make these essential procedures accessible to patients at affordable costs, ensuring that they receive the care they need to preserve their vision.

To further enhance early detection and facilitate timely intervention, we also organize screening camps dedicated to identifying, preventing, and treating glaucoma. These camps serve as an invaluable resource for raising awareness, providing comprehensive evaluations, and delivering appropriate management strategies to individuals at risk or already affected by glaucoma.


We offer a wide variety of diagnostic modalities


1. Optic Nerve Head Evaluation


Assessing various parameters such as disc size, cup-disc ratio, disc depth, rim characteristics, presence of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects, and other relevant factors provides valuable insights to clinicians in determining whether a patient has a definitive diagnosis of glaucoma or falls into the category of a glaucoma suspect. These comprehensive evaluations of the eye's structural features play a crucial role in aiding clinicians to make accurate assessments and provide appropriate management strategies for patients with glaucoma or those at risk of developing the condition.


2. Tonometry


Intraocular Pressure Measurement (I.O.P.) can be accomplished using various types of tonometers, specialized devices for measuring the pressure inside the eye. By accurately assessing the I.O.P., healthcare professionals can establish a baseline pressure reading and determine the extent to which it decreases when treatment is initiated. This information is crucial for monitoring the effectiveness of interventions and optimizing the management of conditions such as glaucoma.



3. Pachymetry


The thickness of the cornea has a significant impact on the measured values of intraocular pressure (I.O.P.). Therefore, it is necessary to correct the I.O.P. value to ensure accurate interpretation and prevent any potential impact on disease management. By accounting for corneal thickness, healthcare professionals can obtain more reliable and meaningful information about the patient's intraocular pressure, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding treatment and effectively manage ocular conditions.


4. Gonioscopy


The assessment of intraocular pressure (I.O.P.) helps in determining the specific type of glaucoma a patient has, providing crucial information for tailoring an appropriate treatment plan. By understanding the individual's I.O.P. levels, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions about the most effective interventions and therapies to manage the specific type of glaucoma and optimize patient outcomes.



5. Visual Fields


Visual field testing provides valuable information about the extent of field loss and helps determine the stage of the disease in glaucoma. Additionally, it assesses functional visual loss caused by glaucoma, allowing healthcare professionals to accurately evaluate the impact of the condition on a patient's visual abilities. This information plays a vital role in monitoring disease progression, guiding treatment decisions, and providing appropriate care to individuals affected by glaucoma.


6. OCT


Provides the structural damage due to glaucoma and helps in correlating with the field loss.


7. OCTA


Provides the circulation around the disc and surrounding retina



8. Electrophysiological Studies

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

  • What are the Types of Glaucoma?
    • Open-angle glaucoma: is the most common and typical type of glaucoma. Initially, it is painless and does not cause noticeable vision changes. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection of optic nerve damage associated with this condition.

      Closed-angle glaucoma: occurs when the iris is positioned close to the drainage angle in the eye, leading to blockage and a rapid increase in eye pressure. This is considered an eye emergency requiring immediate attention.

      Secondary glaucoma: is caused by an underlying condition that raises internal eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage.

      Congenital glaucoma: is characterized by increased intraocular pressure due to a developmental birth defect affecting the angle of the eye.
  • Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
    • Several factors contribute to an increased risk of developing glaucoma. These include having high intraocular pressure (I.O.P.), being above the age of 60, having a family history of glaucoma, and having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and sickle cell anemia. Certain eye conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), a history of previous eye surgery, and long-term use of corticosteroid medications, particularly in the form of eyedrops, can also elevate the risk. It is important to be aware of these risk factors and discuss them with an ophthalmologist or eye care professional during routine eye examinations for early detection and proactive management of glaucoma.
  • What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
    • Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, is characterized by patchy blind spots that occur in the side (peripheral) or central vision, often affecting both eyes. In advanced stages, tunnel vision may develop, where there is a narrowing of the visual field.

      On the other hand, acute angle-closure glaucoma presents with distinct symptoms. Individuals experiencing this type may have a severe headache accompanied by eye pain. They may also experience symptoms like nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, halos around lights, and eye redness. These symptoms indicate a sudden increase in eye pressure, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency eye care as soon as possible.
  • What happens when I come to the hospital?
    • When you visit our clinic, the initial step will involve a routine checkup of your refraction, which will be performed by our team of skilled optometrists. Following that, our specialists will conduct a comprehensive glaucoma workup, which may include various tests and examinations to evaluate your eye health and detect any signs of glaucoma. Based on the results, our experts will provide you with appropriate investigations and prescribe the necessary medications or treatments tailored to your specific condition. Your well-being and the management of your glaucoma are our top priorities.
  • How is my Eye pressure (I.O.P.) Checked?
    • Tonometry is a quick and simple test that checks the pressure inside your eyes(I.O.P). The results help our doctor see if you’re at risk for glaucoma.
  • What treatment options do I have for glaucoma?
    • After the confirmation of glaucoma, your doctor will prescribe medications aimed at controlling the intraocular pressure. In cases of closed angles, LASER procedures may be performed to alleviate the condition. For advanced glaucoma cases or when medications fail to provide adequate control, a surgical procedure called trabeculectomy may be recommended. This procedure is also performed in cases of congenital glaucoma. `

      Following the initiation of treatment, you will undergo regular evaluations and monitoring every 3-6 months. Based on the findings of these assessments, the treatment approach may be adjusted accordingly to ensure the best possible management of your glaucoma. Our goal is to provide personalized care and ongoing support to help preserve your vision and maintain optimal eye health.
  • Is this LASER painful?
    • No. It is a Painless outpatient procedure. It uses LASER to create a passage for fluid to leave the eye to Reduce the eye Pressure.