Glaucoma Surgery in India - Causes, Symptoms and Cost

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders characterized by a progressive deterioration of the optic nerve. This damage to the optic nerve leads to blurred vision and vision loss. Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure in the eye due to clogging the drainage angle. If not treated on time, glaucoma can cause irreversible damage to the optical nerve, impairing your vision permanently. 

Glaucoma disease in the eye

Maintaining healthy optic nerves is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. Glaucoma is a collection of eye disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve. It is common for this injury to be brought on by extremely high pressure in the eye. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to glaucoma, a primary cause of blindness. Although it may happen at any age, older persons are more likely to be affected.

Causes of Glaucoma

Eye surgeons around the world are still probing into the exact cause of glaucoma disease. However, a majority of cases are categorized as primary or secondary glaucoma. A patient can be said to be suffering from primary glaucoma if their condition cannot be linked to any specific known cause. On the other hand, secondary glaucoma has a direct cause, including the following:

• Tumor
• Diabetes
• Advanced cataract
• Inflammation

Types of Glaucoma

There are two main types of glaucoma disorders which are:

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma: In this open-angle glaucoma, the fluid passes slowly through the drainage angle, which mounts over time, narrowing the drainage angle due to fluid clogging. However, it's a painless condition. 
2. Closed Angle Glaucoma: This is a chronic disorder where the iris bows inward. It causes pain and blurred vision. 
3. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This glaucoma disorder is caused due to physical contact between iris and cornea.
4. Traumatic Glaucoma: As its name indicates it develops when someone has any direct injury to the eyes. It can occur just after the injury or some years later.

Glaucoma Signs and Symptoms

Glaucoma symptoms differ from one patient to other, depending upon the magnitude of Glaucoma spread in the eye. The symptoms of open angle and closed angle glaucoma are totally different. Signs and symptoms of patients suffering closed-angle glaucoma disease are:

• Blurred Vision
• Severe pain in the glaucoma eye
• Nausea and vomiting
• Redness in the glaucoma eye
• The halo-like glow around the affected eye
• Vision problem in dim light

Diagnosis of Glaucoma

Glaucoma testing is non-invasive and doesn't take very long at all. Your eye doctor will examine your eyesight. Your pupils will be widened (dilated) using eye drops so that they may inspect your eyes. They will look for symptoms of glaucoma along your optic nerve when they examine you. They could take images to identify changes when you return for your next appointment. Tonometry is the name of the test that will be used to determine your eye pressure.

A visual field test may also be performed to determine whether or not you have experienced any loss of peripheral vision. If your eye doctor has any reason to think that you have glaucoma, they may recommend that you undergo specialized imaging testing of the optic nerve.

Glaucoma treatment in the eye

Glaucoma is irreversible. Therefore the damage it causes can never be undone. However, receiving therapy for the condition and frequent examinations may help slow down or even stop the progression of vision loss, mainly if the illness is detected in its earlier stages. Glaucoma may be treated by bringing down the pressure in your eyes. Eyedrops, pills, lasers, or even surgery can be on the table, depending on the severity of your condition.

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma treatment depends highly depends on the severity of the glaucoma disorder. The treatment of Glaucoma in adults can be done through the following techniques.

Laser Treatment for Glaucoma: There are a few options for laser treatment for Glaucoma.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty uses a laser to cut selective holes within the eye to remove clogs.
The Iridotomy technique uses a laser to create a hole near the iris, resulting in an increased flow of fluid.

Endoscopic Cyclo Photocoagulation surgery (or ECP) is a form of glaucoma eye surgery that reduces the amount of fluid produced.

Conventional Surgery: This type of glaucoma eye surgery is also known as filtration surgery, involves the creation of a new drainage channel which helps the fluid exit the eye.

Who is at risk for developing Glaucoma?

Glaucoma may afflict persons of any ethnicity or gender, although the likelihood of developing the disease rises with advancing age. Those of African American and Latino descent have a higher risk of developing glaucoma than individuals from other races. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with the condition at a younger age. Angle-closure glaucoma is a kind of glaucoma that mainly affects people of Asian and Inuit descent, and both of these groups have a higher risk of developing the condition. Glaucoma strikes at a two times higher rate in those with diabetes. Other potential dangers include the following:

• A history of glaucoma in the family.
• Unhealthy levels of blood pressure.
• Hyperopia is often known as farsightedness.
• Use of corticosteroids over an extended period.
• A history of ocular trauma or surgical intervention.
• Myopia is often known as nearsightedness.

Is There Ways to Avoid Glaucoma?

Even though glaucoma can't be avoided, early diagnosis and therapy may slow or stop the disease from progressing. Regular preventative eye exams are one of the most significant ways to detect glaucoma early. Schedule some time to see an eye doctor. Checking for glaucoma during routine eye exams may be done relatively quickly, and early detection might prevent irreversible vision loss.

Tips for patients with Glaucoma

If you've been diagnosed with glaucoma and hope to keep your eyesight while doing what you love, consider the following six suggestions.

Remember to take your medication regularly and on time. Your eye doctor can assist you in developing a treatment plan for glaucoma when a diagnosis has been made. A daily regimen of eye drops and pill-taking may be necessary. Please take your medicine as prescribed. Make sure you don't forget to take your medicine by setting a timer or creating a daily alarm on your smartphone. Keeping to a regular medicine intake schedule may help delay the condition's advancement.

When you have glaucoma, you must do all in your power to maintain excellent health since this directly impacts your eyes' condition. Make a pact to adopt a balanced and nutritious diet and regular exercise. Stop smoking now if you haven't already. Avoid the negative consequences of your poor diet by replacing harmful options with healthier ones. Choose fresh, healthy foods like fruits and vegetables over processed foods like fast food and freezer dinners. Strive to make dark leafy greens and lean meats staples of your daily diet.

Be Knowledgeable About Glaucoma. The ability to think critically and solve problems depends on one's level of education. Learning more about glaucoma, its causes, and potential results can help you take better care of your eyes. Look for information on glaucoma on the Internet. Get in touch with other members of your family affected by the illness and find out what they are doing to cope. Be sure to jot down any concerns you have and discuss them with your eye doctor on your next visit.

Make friends with the staff at your optometrist's office. Tell them how you're feeling about your treatment and what you think, honestly. Maintain a proactive stance toward seeing the optometrist for routine checkups. You'll need to have frequent checkups with your eye doctor so they can keep a careful watch on your progress and address any concerns as they arise.

Join a Helping Hands Society. Getting in touch with people diagnosed with glaucoma might be comforting. Millions of individuals with glaucoma need your help, so don't be shy about getting in touch with them. Find other individuals with the condition who can offer the best techniques, insights, and strategies to live a whole life by talking to friends and acquaintances, searching online, or joining a local support group.

Take on some shrewd habits at home. The degree of your glaucoma-related vision loss will determine which strategies for low-vision independence will be most beneficial for you.

Recommended doctors for Glaucoma treatment in India

CureIndia helps you choose the right doctor for your medical treatment. Most of the doctors in our associated hospitals
have been internationally trained and are active members of many international medical councils and associations.
Let's hear from some of the most reputed dcotor's for Glaucoma treatment in India.

1) Dr. Suraj Munjal

2) Dr. Smriti Jain

3) Dr. Suwarn Chetan

Glaucoma Surgery Costs in India

Glaucoma surgery aims to lower the eye's internal pressure and improve the optic nerve's condition. Although surgical intervention may slow the worsening of current vision loss, it cannot restore any previous vision loss. There are a few different ways to fix this problem: creating a hole in the eye to evacuate the fluid, removing the tissues causing the fluid to build up, or installing a drainage valve.

Bottom Line

Glaucoma is an age-related disease that damages the eyes. This condition causes an obstruction in the normal outflow of fluid from the eye, which raises intraocular pressure and puts the optic nerve in danger. In its early stages, it may cause no noticeable symptoms, but it may eventually cause blindness. Routine eye exams may help catch problems early on, allowing for therapy to begin, often in the form of eye drops. Reduced or avoided eyesight loss may result from using this therapy.

Glaucoma Surgery FAQs