The Glaucoma services at Ahalia, is equipped with superlative technology to aid in early diagnosis & management of this disease. The diagnostic modalities include - applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy for optic nerve head evaluation & the visual field analyzer. It is well equipped for the medical & surgical management of glaucoma.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases, that gradually steals sight without warning. Most, but not all these diseases are characterized by raised pressure within the eye. Loss of vision is due to damage to optic nerve.

Symptoms

Most types can cause significant visual loss without symptoms. As the glaucoma advances, the following symptoms maybe seen - Blurred vision, eye pain, headache, rainbow-colored halos around lights, nausea and vomiting can be seen in acute glaucomas.

How is glaucoma detected?

Regular eye examination by your ophthalmologist are the best way to detect glaucoma. During your glaucoma evaluation, your ophthalmologist will:

 measure your intraocular pressure (tonometry);

 inspect the drainage angle of your eye (gonioscopy);

evaluate whether or not there is any optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy);

test the peripheral vision of each eye (visual field testing, or perimetry).

How is glaucoma treated?

Medications

Glaucoma is usually controlled with eye drops taken daily. These medications lower eye pressure.

Laser treatment

Laser treatments may be recommended for different types of glaucoma.

Surgery

Some cases may need surgery

Remember:

Glaucoma cannot be cured. It can only be controlled.

Vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be recovered.

It is essential that persons above the age of 40 have periodic eye check up.

Early detection & treatment of glaucoma, before it causes major visual loss, is the ideal way to control glaucoma.

Drugs prescribed should be regularly used as advised by the doctor.