Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the nerve that carries visual information from your eye to your brain. It is often associated with increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP), and is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.

Why Is It Called the “Silent Thief”?

The most common form of glaucoma — primary open-angle glaucoma — develops slowly and painlessly. Most patients don’t notice any symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. By the time you notice changes, up to 40% of nerve fibres may already be damaged.

Who Is at Risk?

You may have a higher risk if you:

• Are over 40 years of age
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Have elevated eye pressure (IOP)
• Are diabetic or hypertensive
• Have had previous eye injuries
• Are very near-sighted (myopic)

Symptoms to Watch For

While open-angle glaucoma has no early symptoms, you should see an eye doctor if you notice:

• Peripheral vision loss (tunnel vision in later stages)
• Halos around lights
• Sudden eye pain with nausea (acute glaucoma — emergency!)
• Redness of the eye
• Blurred vision

⚠️ Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you experience sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision — seek immediate care.

Diagnosis at Manorama Hospital

Dr. Gayatri D. Hosing, a Fellowship-trained Glaucoma Specialist from Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, uses advanced instruments for comprehensive glaucoma evaluation:

• Tonometry — measures eye pressure
• Perimetry — visual field testing
• Gonioscopy — examines the drainage angle
• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) — optic nerve imaging
• Fundus Photography — photographic documentation

Treatment Options

1. Eye Drops (Medical Management)

First-line treatment to reduce IOP. Must be used consistently.

2. Laser Treatment (Laser Trabeculoplasty)

A quick, painless office procedure to improve fluid drainage.

3. Surgery (Trabeculectomy)

For advanced or uncontrolled glaucoma, surgical intervention creates a new drainage pathway.

The Good News

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment can preserve vision for life. Regular eye check-ups are the key.

Book Your Eye Check-Up

Early detection saves sight. Schedule a comprehensive eye examination with Dr. Gayatri D. Hosing at Manorama Hospital.

📞 Call: +91-0231-XXXXXX 🕘 Eye OPD: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Pratibhanagar, Near Radhika Talkies, Kolhapur