Best Glaucoma Surgery Specialist in Mumbai

Stop glaucoma from stealing your sight! Schedule a consultation with our Glaucoma Surgery Specialists at Arohi Eye Hospital and start your journey towards clear vision.

What Is Glaucoma?

 

Glaucoma refers to a medical condition that affects the optic nerve, which plays a crucial role in transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The optic nerve comprises multiple nerve fibers that function similarly to the wires in an electrical cable. When an individual develops glaucoma, the nerve fibers in the optic nerve get damaged, which leads to vision loss.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma, a common eye disease, is primarily caused by the blockage of the drainage angle through which aqueous humor circulates inside the front part of the eye.

 

Aqueous humor is responsible for maintaining healthy pressure inside the eye. It is produced in small amounts, while an equal amount is drained out through a microscopic drainage system. This drainage system is separate from the tears present on the outer surface of the eye.

 

In case the drainage angle is blocked, the excess fluid fails to drain out, leading to increased fluid pressure inside the eye. As a result, the optic nerve is subjected to pressure, causing damage to it. The eye is a closed structure. If the drainage area is blocked, which can lead to severe conditions that demand immediate attention from the best glaucoma specialist in Mumbai.

What Are The Different Types Of Glaucoma?
  1. Open-angle Glaucoma

    This type of glaucoma is the most common type, which accounts for about 90% of the total cases. It occurs when the drainage canals in the eye become clogged over time, leading to an increase in eye pressure. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly and often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage.

  2. Angle-closure Glaucoma

    This type of glaucoma occurs when the iris (the colored part of the eye) is pushed forward, blocking the drainage canals and causing a sudden increase in eye pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

  3. Normal-tension Glaucoma

    In this type of glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged even though the eye pressure remains within the normal range. The exact cause of normal-tension glaucoma is not known, but it may be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve.

  4. Congenital Glaucoma

    This type of glaucoma is very rare that usually occurs in infants and young children. It is caused by a developmental defect in the eye’s drainage system, which leads to increased eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve. Congenital glaucoma requires prompt glaucoma treatment to prevent vision loss.

  5. Secondary Glaucoma

    This type of glaucoma occurs as a result of another underlying condition, such as injury, inflammation, or medication use. This condition can be either angle-closure or open-angle glaucoma. It is important to get regular eye exams to detect glaucoma early, as early diagnosis and glaucoma treatment in Mumbai can help prevent vision loss.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma, in its early stages, may not have any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease advances, the following symptoms may arise –

 

  • Vision loss, particularly in peripheral vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Halos around lights
  • Eye pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Severe eye pain
  • Eye redness

 

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is imperative that you contact the best glaucoma specialist in Mumbai without delay. Delay in treatment of this form of glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness.

 

Note that 2⁄3 of individuals with closed-angle glaucoma may develop it gradually and without any symptoms before an attack occurs. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms.

Risk Factors of Glaucoma
Outlined below are certain risk factors that you need to know –

 

  • Age: Individuals who are 60 years or older have a higher risk of developing Glaucoma.
  • Family history: If you have a first-degree relative with Glaucoma, you are more susceptible to developing glaucoma.
  • Race: People of African American, Hispanic, or Asian descent have a higher risk of developing certain types of Glaucoma.
  • Eye conditions: Certain eye conditions, such as high myopia or thin cornea, increase the risk of developing Glaucoma.
  • Medical conditions: Individuals with diabetes, migraine headaches, and high blood pressure are more prone to developing Glaucoma.
  • Additionally, elevated eye pressure, past eye injuries, thinner central corneal thickness, and pre-existing thinning of the optic nerve are also potential risk factors for developing Glaucoma.
Glaucoma Detection

To detect glaucoma, it is highly recommended that individuals undergo regular eye examinations by a glaucoma surgeon. Relying solely on a glaucoma screening that measures the pressure of the eye is not adequate for detecting this condition. The most reliable approach to identifying glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye examination.

 

During a glaucoma evaluation, an glaucoma eye specialist will typically perform the following diagnostic tests:

 

  • Measure intraocular pressure (tonometry)
  • Inspect the drainage angle of the eye (gonioscopy)
  • Conduct an examination of the optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy)
  • Test peripheral vision in each eye (visual field testing or perimetry)
  • Optic nerve photography or other computerized imaging tests may be recommended for some patients.

 

The tests that are conducted during a glaucoma evaluation are designed to assess the overall health of the eyes and detect any signs of damage or changes that may be indicative of glaucoma. Depending on the patient’s individual case, some of these tests may need to be repeated on a regular basis to monitor any changes in their condition.

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma Treatment involves a multifaceted approach to prevent further damage to the eye, as the damage caused by this condition is irreversible. To reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage,

 

  • Eye drops
  • Laser surgery
  • Trabeculectomy surgery
  • And in some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed.

 

It is crucial to undergo periodic examinations to detect any progression of the disease and to make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This is particularly important as glaucoma can advance without presenting any symptoms. Therefore, routine check-ups can help prevent irreversible vision loss.

 

Although, Glaucoma can be managed with certain medications like the regular use of prescribed eye drops. These medications work by reducing intraocular pressure, which can be achieved by decreasing the production of aqueous fluid within the eye or by improving its outflow through the drainage angle.

 

It is important to alert your glaucoma surgeon in case of any change of medications from your end. Abruptly discontinuing or altering your medication can have negative consequences for your vision and overall health.

 

While glaucoma medications can effectively protect your vision, they may also cause undesirable side effects.

Here are some side effects that can be caused due to eye drops –
  • Stinging or itching sensation in the eye
  • Redness of the eyes or the skin surrounding them
  • Dry mouth
  • Eyelash growth
  • Changes in pulse and heartbeat
  • Alterations in energy levels
  • Breathing changes (particularly with asthma or emphysema)
  • Blurred vision or even a change in eye color

 

It is important to note that all medications, including eye drops, can have side effects or interact with other medications, underscoring the importance of creating a comprehensive list of all medications taken regularly and sharing this information with each doctor visit.
By doing so, individuals can help to ensure optimal care and minimize the potential for adverse reactions or interactions.

Laser Surgery for Glaucoma

Laser surgery can treat different types of glaucoma. For open-angle glaucoma, the laser modifies the drain to control eye pressure. For closed-angle glaucoma, the laser creates a hole in the iris to improve fluid flow. If surgery is necessary, trabeculectomy creates a new drainage channel for the aqueous fluid to prevent optic nerve damage.

Trying To Reach The Best Glaucoma Specialist In Mumbai?

Call now to schedule an appointment with the top Glaucoma Specialist in Mumbai at Arohi Eye Hospital and take the first step towards better vision. Call +91-9820111315 today to get started.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

What are the benefits of glaucoma treatment?

Glaucoma treatment has several benefits, including preventing vision loss and eliminating the need for medication or eye drops. Glaucoma surgery is highly successful and can offer long-term benefits. However, there are also risks associated with glaucoma surgery, including cataracts, infection, vision loss, low pressure, eye pain, scar tissue, swelling, and bleeding.

How is Glaucoma harmful to vision?

Yes, glaucoma is harmful to vision as it can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. The disease damages the optic nerve located at the back of the eye, which can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Will I go blind from Glaucoma?

Most people with glaucoma do not go blind, as modern treatment options can help control the disease and prevent further damage to the eyes. While glaucoma is a serious lifelong eye disease that can lead to vision loss if left untreated, there are many choices available to help manage the condition and protect your vision.

Can glaucoma be cured?

There is no cure (yet) for Glaucoma, but if the condition is caught during the initial stages, then you have a chance to preserve and prevent your vision. Consult a glaucoma eye specialist for a comprehensive eye exam to learn more about your condition.

Can glaucoma affect children?

Yes, glaucoma can affect children, although it is rare. While glaucoma is more commonly diagnosed in adults, more than 60 percent of children with glaucoma are diagnosed before the age of 6 months. Glaucoma can affect one or both eyes in children, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss.

Is glaucoma hereditary?

Open-angle glaucoma is hereditary, and individuals with a family history of the disease are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Those with a family history of glaucoma are four to nine times more likely to develop the condition. It is crucial to inform your ophthalmologist if you have a family history of glaucoma, as they can monitor your eyes for early signs of the disease and take appropriate measures to slow it down.

Can Glaucoma be prevented?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by controlling weight, blood pressure, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking can help prevent glaucoma, along with other chronic conditions. Regular eye exams and early detection can help slow down or prevent vision loss.

 

If you are considering glaucoma surgery but don’t know how to find the best glaucoma specialist, a simple search for “glaucoma doctors near me” or “best glaucoma specialist near me” can provide you with a list of top specialists. This can make your search for the right doctor easier and more efficient.

Can I have Glaucoma from diabetes?

It is possible to develop glaucoma as a result of diabetes. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes and affect the drainage of fluid from the eye, which can increase the risk of developing open-angle glaucoma.

How often do I need to use glaucoma eye drops?

The frequency of using glaucoma eye drops can vary depending on the specific medication and the severity of your glaucoma. However, in general, it is important to use the eye drops as directed by your doctor, which is usually once or twice a day. Some medications may need to be used up to four times a day.

What should I do if I miss a dose of my glaucoma eye drops?

If you miss a dose of your glaucoma eye drops, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if the next dose is due soon, wait for the usual time to use it.

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