Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness globally and it is estimated that more than 12 million people in India suffer from it. It is a group of more than 30 diseases that affects pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) and irreparably damages the optic nerve(Nerve which connects the eye to the brain).
Glaucoma is a silent disease- it does not affect vision until the damage has become advanced. This makes early diagnosis with thorough investigations very important to prevent blindness because of this disease.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
We offer state of the art glaucoma diagnostic services including:
Intraocular pressure measurement(Applanation tonometry gold standard)
This technique of intraocular pressure measurement is the gold standard of measurement and is critical to decide the type and frequency of pressure lowering medications.
Gonioscopy and Anterior segment OCT(Heidelberg spectralis )
This examination helps to understand if the raised pressure in the eye is because of blockage or narrowing of the fluid outflow pathway of the eye .
Retinal nerve fibre layer and Optic nerve OCT
This high definition ultrastructure examination with colour coded maps helps the patient to understand how much glaucoma related damage has happened in the eye so that we can monitor his condition and decide the appropriate .
Visual field examination(OCTOPUS Visual Field Analyzer)
Our trained technicians operate this highly advanced software which assesses how much loss of peripheral vision has happened because of glaucoma. This test helps us monitor the patient’s condition as well as guide his family regarding the special needs of the patient.
Treatment
For successful prevention of progression of glaucoma, what is most essential is regular follow up by the patient. In majority of cases medical treatment with eye pressure lowering eyedrops is enough to prevent further damage.
Other treatments include
LASER FOR GLAUCOMA
Laser Peripheral iridectomy is done in patients whose fluid outflow pathway is narrow. This is performed by our highly trained medical professionals and helps to prevent the onset and/or progression of glaucoma.
SURGERIES FOR GLAUCOMA
When medical treatment is unsuccessful in lowering eye pressure or if the patient is not comfortable in using so many drops, surgeries which lower eye pressure can be done.
The surgical procedures performed by our experts include
- Trabeculectomy
- Glaucoma tube implants(AADI implant, Ahmed glaucoma valve)
- Surgical iridectomy