Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that leads to optic nerve damage, often due to increased pressure within the eye. If left untreated, it can result in permanent vision loss. In India, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, especially among individuals over 60. However, early detection and treatment can help manage the condition effectively, preventing further vision impairment.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). This increased pressure can slowly erode the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss. If untreated, it can cause permanent blindness. Many patients in India remain unaware that they have glaucoma until significant damage has occurred because the condition often shows no early symptoms.
Types of Glaucoma in India
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma seen in India. It occurs when the drainage canals within the eye become blocked over time, causing fluid build-up and elevated IOP. The angle between the iris and cornea remains open, but the drainage system malfunctions. Patients with open-angle glaucoma may not notice any symptoms until the disease has advanced.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma, also known as angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma, is less common but more dangerous. This type occurs when the drainage canals suddenly become blocked, leading to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure. Closed-angle glaucoma can result in sudden vision loss and requires emergency medical treatment, making awareness crucial for early detection in India.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
Patients with open-angle glaucoma often don’t notice symptoms in the early stages. Over time, they may experience:
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Gradual loss of peripheral vision (side vision)
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Tunnel vision as the disease progresses
Closed-Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
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Closed-angle glaucoma symptoms can appear suddenly and severely. It is important to recognize the following signs to seek immediate treatment in India:
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Intense eye pain
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Blurred vision or halos around lights
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Eye redness
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Nausea or vomiting
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Sudden loss of vision
Glaucoma Treatments
While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment. The goal is to lower intraocular pressure to prevent further damage. Common glaucoma treatments available in India include:
1. Eye Drops for Glaucoma
Eye drops are a common first-line treatment for glaucoma in India. These medications work by either reducing the production of fluid in the eye or improving its drainage. Popular options include:
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Prostaglandins: Enhance fluid outflow from the eye.
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Beta-blockers: Decrease fluid production.
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Alpha agonists: Reduce fluid production and improve outflow.
2. Glaucoma Surgery: Trabeculectomy
For patients with advanced glaucoma or those who do not respond to eye drops, trabeculectomy is a surgical option. This procedure creates a new drainage channel for the eye’s fluid, reducing intraocular pressure. Though effective, trabeculectomy carries risks like infection and scarring, which may cause the drainage hole to close up.
3. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in India
MIGS is gaining popularity in India due to its minimally invasive approach and faster recovery time compared to traditional surgeries. The objective of MIGS is to lower intraocular pressure by enhancing fluid drainage from the eye through small, precise surgical techniques.
iStent: The Only MIGS Available in India
The iStent is the first and only MIGS device currently available in India. It is a small implant that helps drain excess fluid from the eye to reduce intraocular pressure. Often used in conjunction with cataract surgery, the iStent offers an effective, less invasive option for Indian patients with mild to moderate glaucoma. It minimises risks and promotes faster recovery than more invasive surgeries, making it an attractive option for glaucoma treatment in India.
