Vision care experts for clearer tomorrow today

At Acha Eye Hospital, protecting your vision is our priority. Understanding glaucoma is crucial, as it is often called the “silent thief of sight”—the disease can progress quietly without obvious symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Early detection and proper management are essential to preserving your eyesight.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye). This rise in pressure is typically caused by a buildup of fluid that does not drain properly. If untreated, glaucoma can gradually lead to irreversible vision loss.

The most common types of glaucoma include:

  • Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most prevalent type, marked by a slow rise in eye pressure with no early warning signs.

  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A less common but urgent form in which the eye’s drainage angle becomes blocked, causing a sudden spike in pressure accompanied by severe pain, headache, and nausea.

  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs even though eye pressure remains within normal limits, suggesting additional contributing factors.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

The likelihood of developing glaucoma increases with several factors, such as:

  • Age: Higher risk for individuals over 60

  • Family History: Genetics can play a significant role

  • Ethnicity: Higher prevalence among African and Hispanic populations

  • Previous Eye Conditions: Including high myopia or past eye injuries

  • Systemic Health Issues: Such as hypertension or diabetes

Common Symptoms of Glaucoma

Early-stage glaucoma often develops with no noticeable symptoms. As the condition worsens, you may experience:

  • Blurred or narrowed (“tunnel”) vision

  • Seeing halos around lights

  • Eye redness

  • Severe eye pain and headaches (especially in angle-closure glaucoma)

Glaucoma Diagnosis at Acha Eye Hospital

Our experienced eye specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to detect glaucoma early, including:

  • Intraocular Pressure Measurement: Using a tonometer to assess eye pressure

  • Visual Field Testing: Evaluates peripheral (side) vision for early signs of loss

  • Optic Nerve Evaluation: Examines the optic nerve for structural damage

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, timely treatment can effectively slow its progression and protect vision. Options include:

  • Medications: Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure

  • Laser Treatments: Such as laser trabeculoplasty to enhance fluid drainage

  • Surgical Procedures: Recommended in advanced cases to create new drainage pathways

Protecting Your Vision

Regular eye examinations at Acha Eye Hospital play a vital role in early detection and ongoing management of glaucoma. If you fall into any high-risk category, we strongly encourage routine check-ups to safeguard your sight and maintain long-term eye health.