Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma ?
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve—the part of the eye responsible for sending visual information to the brain. This damage is usually caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). If not diagnosed and treated early, glaucoma can lead to gradual and permanent vision loss.
Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma usually shows no early symptoms. Most people do not notice changes in vision until the disease has already progressed. This is why timely eye check-ups are essential, especially for individuals above 40 or those with a family history of the condition.
What You Need to Know
Glaucoma Explained: Important Insights for Informed Care
Here are the common causes of Glaucoma:
- Blocked drainage canals – When the eye’s natural fluid cannot drain properly, pressure builds up.
- Overproduction of eye fluid (aqueous humor) – Even normal drainage becomes overloaded when the eye produces too much fluid.
- Age-related changes – Individuals above 40 are at higher risk due to natural changes in eye structure.
- Genetic factors – A family history of glaucoma significantly increases the chances of developing the condition.
- Medical conditions – Diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders can raise the risk.
- Eye injuries – Trauma, previous surgeries, or infections can disrupt fluid flow.
- Long-term steroid use – Extended use of steroid eye drops or medications may increase eye pressure.
Here’s a list of common cataract symptoms:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Blurry or foggy vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Sudden severe eye pain (more common in acute angle-closure glaucoma)
- Redness in the eye
- Nausea or vomiting with eye pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Frequent changes in prescription glasses
Here are the main types of Glaucoma surgery:
- Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage channel to lower eye pressure.
- Glaucoma Drainage Implant (Tube Shunt): Uses a small tube to redirect eye fluid and reduce pressure.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Uses small devices or micro-incisions to improve fluid outflow with quicker recovery.
- Laser Trabeculoplasty: Uses laser energy to enhance the eye’s natural drainage system.
- Peripheral Iridotomy: Creates a tiny opening in the iris to improve fluid circulation and prevent angle closure.
Treatments
Treatments for Glaucoma
Medications (Eye Drops & Oral Medicines)
How it works:
- Reduces the amount of fluid the eye produces
- Improves fluid drainage
- Helps stabilize eye pressure
Common types of medication include:
- Prostaglandin analogs
- Beta-blockers
- Alpha agonists
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Patients must use these drops regularly as prescribed to ensure effective long-term control of eye pressure.
Laser Treatments
Laser Trabeculoplasty:
Used mainly for open-angle glaucoma, this laser treatment improves the eye’s natural drainage system, helping fluid flow out more efficiently and reducing eye pressure.
Peripheral Iridotomy:
Used for angle-closure glaucoma, a laser creates a tiny opening in the iris to improve fluid circulation and prevent sudden pressure spikes.
Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC):
A laser is used to reduce the fluid-producing tissue in the eye, helping lower eye pressure when other treatments are insufficient.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Why MIGS is preferred:
- Less tissue damage
- Faster recovery
- Shorter surgery time
- Often combined with cataract surgery
MIGS helps increase fluid outflow using micro-stents, small devices, or tiny incisions that gently improve the eye’s drainage system.
Caring for Your Vision, Protecting Your Future
New Technology
Advanced Technology
Non-Contact Tonometry (NCT)
Non-Contact Tonometry (NCT) is a quick and painless test that measures Intraocular pressure (IOP) using a gentle puff of air. It helps detect elevated eye pressure, a key risk factor for glaucoma. At our hospital, NCT is used as an initial screening method during routine eye checkups. It is especially suitable for children and patients who prefer a non-touch procedure.
Applanation Tonometry
Applanation Tonometry is the gold-standard test for accurately measuring Intraocular pressure (IOP). After numbing the eye, a device gently flattens the cornea to provide precise pressure readings. It is essential for confirming glaucoma, monitoring pressure changes, and guiding long-term treatment decisions. We use this method whenever highly accurate IOP evaluation is required.
Tonometry (Comprehensive Eye Pressure Testing)
Tonometry refers to all techniques used to measure intraocular pressure. Since high IOP is a major cause of optic nerve damage in glaucoma, tonometry is a critical part of every glaucoma examination.
At our hospital, we perform both NCT and Applanation Tonometry to ensure accurate diagnosis, continuous monitoring, and effective treatment planning for each patient.
Perimetry (Visual Field Testing)
Perimetry, or Visual Field Testing, helps assess the full range of your vision and detects any blind spots (scotomas) caused by glaucoma. This test allows us to evaluate how well your optic nerve is functioning and whether glaucoma is progressing.
Perimetry plays a crucial role in:
- Identifying early vision loss
- Tracking disease progression
- Evaluating treatment effectiveness
Protect Your Vision with Expert Eye Care Today
News
Have some Questions?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, usually due to high eye pressure. If not treated early, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma is diagnosed through several tests including Non-Contact Tonometry, Applanation Tonometry, Perimetry (Visual Field Test), and optic nerve evaluation.
There is no permanent cure, but it can be controlled. Early diagnosis and proper treatment help prevent vision loss.
Early glaucoma has no symptoms. Later stages may include eye pain, blurry vision, or tunnel vision — regular check-ups help detect it early.