Glaucoma Treatment in India
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma stands as a prominent contributor to blindness, impacting the eye's drainage system and leading to dysfunction. This widespread ocular condition affects both eyes, often with one eye exhibiting more severe symptoms than the other. In many instances, glaucoma is associated with elevated pressure inside the eye. Without intervention, the condition can progress from peripheral vision loss to eventual total blindness.
Types of Glaucoma
The two primary types of glaucoma are acute angle-closure glaucoma and chronic open-angle glaucoma. Additionally, there are other variants such as pigmentary glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma.
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma : In acute angle-closure glaucoma, sudden and intense symptoms manifest, including headaches, dilated pupils, red eyes, vomiting, eye pain, vision loss, nausea, and the perception of halos around lights. Repeated occurrences of these attacks can result in a progressively worsening loss of vision.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma : Chronic open-angle glaucoma advances slowly, often leading to peripheral vision loss without apparent symptoms. By the time it is detected, significant and permanent damage may have already occurred. In cases of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the damage from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) can progress to the point of developing tunnel vision, restricting the individual to seeing only objects directly in front of them.
Pigmentary Glaucoma : Pigmentary glaucoma is a rare condition characterized by the clogging of the eye's drainage angle with pigment. This pigment, originating from the iris, hinders the outflow of aqueous fluid from the eye. The damage to the drainage system occurs due to inflammation, which obstructs the drainage angle. Notably, pigmentary glaucoma often presents with no symptoms, although individuals may experience blurry vision and occasional pain after exercising. This type of glaucoma predominantly affects white males in their mid-30s to 40s.
Congenital Glaucoma : Congenital glaucoma is a hereditary form of the condition that can be present at birth. In over 80% of cases, it is typically diagnosed by the age of one. This type of glaucoma arises from a congenital defect or narrow angles that impairs the drainage system of the eye.
Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG) : Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), also known as low-tension glaucoma or low-pressure glaucoma, falls under the category of open-angle glaucoma. The damage to the optic nerve results in visual field loss, even though the intraocular pressure (IOP) remains within the normal range in this condition.
Secondary Glaucoma : Secondary glaucoma arises as a consequence of chronic glaucoma, eye injuries, tumor development, lens enlargement due to cataracts, as well as inflammation and eye infections.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Open-angle glaucoma manifests through the following symptoms :
Angle-closure glaucoma presents with the following symptoms :
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can arise from another eye disease or condition, known as secondary glaucoma. The various causes of secondary glaucoma include :
Signs of Glaucoma
Diagnosis of Glaucoma
To identify glaucoma, various tests are performed, including :
Glaucoma Surgery
The objective is to reduce intraocular pressure. Some examples of surgical interventions include :
Drainage Implants : This procedure is employed for individuals with secondary glaucoma, including children. It involves the insertion of a small silicone tube to facilitate the drainage of fluids from the eye.
Trabeculoplasty : A high-energy laser beam is utilized in the surgical procedure to facilitate the smooth drainage of fluids from the interior of the eye. This process aims to unclog the drainage canals and subsequently lowers the intraocular pressure.
Filtering Surgery (Viscocanalostomy) : A trabeculectomy, a filtering procedure, becomes necessary when high-energy laser treatment proves ineffective. This involves creating an opening in the white of the eye and removing a small piece of the trabecular meshwork to facilitate drainage.
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma : Considered a critical medical emergency, immediate administration of pressure-reducing medications is essential. A laser procedure is then employed to create a small hole in the iris, facilitating fluid flow into the trabecular meshwork. This intervention is referred to as iridotomy.
Glaucoma Laser Surgery
Laser surgery has emerged as an effective method for addressing glaucoma, with various types of procedures to choose from. The selection depends on the specific type and condition of glaucoma. Using a focused beam of light, the surgery creates a small opening in the eye tissue, and the size of the opening is determined by the intensity of the light beam. Laser surgeries are typically conducted on an outpatient basis.
Glaucoma Treatments
Surgery : The overarching goal of all these surgeries is to alleviate intraocular pressure. The procedures encompass creating a drainage flap in the eye, eliminating tissue responsible for fluid generation, laser treatment, and the insertion of a drainage valve. These diverse surgeries are performed to :
Medications : Numerous medications are employed to lower intraocular pressure, and the doctor may opt to change the medication if it proves ineffective in reducing the pressure.
Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery
Cost of Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma surgery costs in India are notably economical compared to those in other developed countries. Trabeculectomy stands as the gold standard procedure, and there's a growing preference for glaucoma drainage devices. Indian hospitals are at the forefront, incorporating advanced laser surgeries to effectively reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye.
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
