Glaucoma Treatment
What is glaucoma or kala motia?
Glaucoma, commonly referred to as ‘Kala Motia’ in India, is a serious eye condition characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure that can lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve, resulting in a gradual loss of visual acuity. In India, where the burden of eye diseases is substantial, glaucoma is a significant concern. Recent statistics indicate that over 11 million people in India are affected by glaucoma, making it a major public health issue. What’s even more concerning is that nearly 90% of glaucoma cases in India are undiagnosed or untreated, largely due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages.
Glaucoma symptoms
Slow often unnoticed decrease of vision
Headaches accompanied by redness and pain in the eyes
Rapidly changing glass prescription
Reduced vision in low light conditions or at night
Seeing colourful haloes or rings around bulbs
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
People above the age of 40 years
Patients with hypertension, migraine or diabetes
Patients having high powered glasses ( plus or minus)
Patients on long term steroids for other ailments
Patients who have undergone previous eye surgery
Patients with a history of eye trauma/ injury
Those who have a family history of glaucoma (kala motia)
If a close relative has it, then you should definitely get yourself checked for glaucoma
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of vision,” is a serious eye condition that requires prompt and effective treatment to preserve vision. The treatment of glaucoma typically begins with the use of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure, which is the main risk factor for the disease. These eye drops work by either reducing the production of aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye) or by increasing its drainage.
If eye drops alone are insufficient in controlling glaucoma, there are several other treatment options available. One common Glaucoma treatment is laser therapy, where a focused beam of light is used to open drainage channels in the eye, allowing for better fluid outflow. This can be performed as an outpatient procedure and is often highly effective in reducing intraocular pressure.
In more advanced cases of glaucoma, glaucoma surgery may be necessary. Trabeculectomy, a surgical procedure that creates a new drainage channel in the eye, is a common option. Additionally, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) have emerged as a less invasive alternative, offering a shorter recovery time and fewer complications.
It’s essential to note that early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing glaucoma effectively. Routine eye examinations are crucial in detecting glaucoma in its early stages when treatment is most effective. At Centre For Sight, we offer a comprehensive approach to glaucoma care, tailored to each patient’s unique needs, with the ultimate goal of preserving their precious eyesight. Our team of experienced glaucoma eye specialists is dedicated to providing the best possible care and ensuring the best outcomes for our patients.
Diagnosis and screening during Glaucoma Treatment
The most advanced and sophisticated technology at Centre for Sight helps our team of competent doctors to assess the optic nerve structure and function, measure eye pressure and evaluate the sensitivity or susceptibility of the eye to glaucoma damage.
-
Tonometry for Eye Pressure Measurement
Tonometer is a device used for checking intraocular pressure or eye pressure. It may be checked using Applanation tonometry (AT) for confirming the eye pressure and Non-contact Tonometry (NCT) for screening purposes.
-
Ophthalmoscopy for Optic Nerve Damage
The eye specialist will assess the optic nerve status including the colour, shape, depth, and size of the optic nerve head to determine the overall health of the optic nerve. Ophthalmoscopy involves taking the 3D view of the optic nerve for better assessment. The test takes around 5-10 minutes and may be done with or without dilation.
-
Pachymetry for Cornea Thickness
Corneal thickness is measured using a pachymeter. Measuring the corneal thickness is important as people with low corneal thickness would be more vulnerable to glaucoma damage even at low eye pressure and need a more intensive pressure control to prevent glaucoma damage.
-
Perimetry to measure the field of vision or Visual Fields
Perimetry is used to map the field of vision or the entire area you see right in front of your eyes without moving your eyes. This is the most important test for glaucoma as it helps your doctor to assess the extent of damage of the optic nerve due to glaucoma. Often this damage is irreversible. Patients with damage to their visual field need to be very careful with their medicines as we need to preserve whatever vision is left.
-
Gonioscopy to assess the drainage area or Filtration Angle
This test uses a hand-held lens used with or without a coupling fluid to look at the filtration angle or area involved in drainage of aqueous humour. The doctor puts some numbing eye drops and places the lens to look at 360 degrees of the angle. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, the angle will be narrow or closed and in open-angle glaucoma patients, the angle will be open. Patients with narrow or closed angles may be recommended a laser (YAG PI) to open the angles.
-
OCT or Optical Coherence Tomography
OCT is a very sensitive and sophisticated imaging technology to assess the optic nerve status. It measures the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, the optic nerve head (ONH) dimensions and the ganglion cell complex (GCC) parameters. Often it can detect glaucoma much earlier than other tests before even the visual field changes have appeared. It is important not only for screening and confirming the diagnosis but also to monitor the treatment. Your doctor will recommend this test depending on your eye condition and will then analyze the report to advise the best treatment for you.
Why Choose Centre for Sight for Glaucoma Treatment?
Our commitment to providing the highest quality care for patients with glaucoma is unwavering, making us the preferred choice for individuals seeking comprehensive eye care.
We understand the significance of early detection and tailored treatment for glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of vision.” Our skilled ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists are equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to identify and monitor glaucoma in its earliest stages. We emphasize regular eye examinations to ensure that glaucoma is detected promptly, enabling us to implement personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs.
One of the standout features of choosing Centre For Sight for glaucoma care is the ease of treatment and glaucoma surgery. Our experts employ a range of treatment modalities, including advanced eye drops, laser therapy for glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), and traditional surgical techniques like trabeculectomy. These options ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment to manage their condition, with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
Our dedication to patient-centric care extends beyond treatment and surgery. At Centre For Sight, we are committed to providing comprehensive eye care that encompasses regular follow-ups and ongoing support. We believe that informed patients are empowered patients, we take the time to educate our patients about their condition, treatment options, and the glaucoma treatment cost, as well as the importance of adherence to their prescribed regimen.
Centre for Sight is the foremost choice for glaucoma care, including kala motia treatment, due to our unwavering commitment to patient well-being, early detection, a wide array of treatment options, and a patient-centric approach to eyecare. With us, you can trust that your vision is in the hands of experts who prioritize your sight and overall eye health.
What are the early signs of glaucoma?
Glaucoma (kala motia) is a silent disease. Most people will not have any significant symptoms. Occasionally someone may feel vague eye ache, especially in the evening and in dim light conditions. Other symptoms include redness, watering, coloured halos around light, and blurring of vision.
Can glaucoma (kala motia) be cured completely?
Glaucoma can be controlled in more than 90% cases. Just like many other chronic diseases, we can prevent glaucoma from progressing further with medicines, but it needs regular monitoring. Combination of medicines, lasers and surgery where needed helps to provide relief to most patients.
What should glaucoma patients avoid?
Glaucoma patients should avoid taking steroids in any form and, if needed, must inform their doctor that they have glaucoma. Self-medication should be avoided at any cost. Besides, avoid excessive tea or coffee intake. Avoid consuming large quantities of water/fluids in one go.
Is coffee bad for glaucoma?
Excessive coffee (more than 2-3 cups a day) is associated with elevated eye pressure and is best avoided.
How to get rid of eye pressure?
You need to get yourself examined by a glaucoma specialist, who will perform a couple of tests to measure the eye pressure and check if it is elevated. Depending on the measurements, the glaucoma specialist might recommend a few eye tests followed by appropriate treatment. Laser treatment for glaucoma is also one of the ways to treat glaucoma and is done on an outpatient basis.
Can you reverse glaucoma?
Glaucoma (kala motia) cannot be reversed, but further damage can be stopped. Only in some cases like children, early intervention may sometimes reverse the damage and restore an improved visual field or optic nerve function.
Can glaucoma medications produce side-effects?
Yes, the side-effects of glaucoma medications can be seen in some people. The anti-glaucoma eye drops may cause an itching sensation, redness in eyes, increased heartbeat, dry mouth, eyelash growth, noticeable change in eye colour and the skin around it, irritation etc.
Does exercise play any role in glaucoma?
Doing exercise is healthy for the body. For a patient suffering from glaucoma, there are a few aerobic exercises that can safely be done 3-4 times in a week for a minimum of 25 minutes. These include swimming, jogging or walking or riding a bike. However, patients with advanced glaucoma should avoid exercises like weight lifting or push-ups which cause a lot of strain. Certain yogic postures like shirshasana (where the head is below the body) are also best avoided.
How does glaucoma medication affect the baby?
One should always keep in mind that glaucoma medications may have a high chance of affecting the fetus. Pregnant women with glaucoma should inform their doctor and take medicines only under supervision.
Can glaucoma occur in a baby?
Glaucoma may be present at birth or may develop shortly after and is known as congenital glaucoma. Such children may have large eyes which may appear bluish, watering and tendency to avoid light (photophobia). It is more common in families where marriages occur between relatives and cousins (consanguinity). It needs immediate attention to prevent permanent damage to eyesight.
Does working on a computer or mobile worsen my glaucoma or eye pressure?
No, it does not. As long as you’re putting your eye drops regularly and getting check-ups done as required, you are free to use digital screens as much as you comfortably can. It is a good idea to take a break between long hours of work to prevent eye muscle fatigue
