Glaucoma, also known as kala motia, is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, most commonly due to increased intraocular pressure (eye pressure). The optic nerve is essential for vision, and its damage can lead to permanent vision loss.
In most cases, glaucoma gradually affects peripheral (side) vision first and often develops without pain or early warning signs. If not detected and treated in time, it can result in irreversible blindness.
Although glaucoma cannot be cured or reversed, early diagnosis and timely treatment can effectively control eye pressure and help preserve remaining vision. Treatment may include medicated eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery, depending on the type and stage of the condition.
Regular comprehensive eye check-ups are strongly recommended, especially for individuals above 40 years of age or those with a family history of glaucoma.
Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision
Blurred or patchy vision
Eye pain or a feeling of pressure (in certain types)
Halos around lights
Unexplained vision changes
Sudden severe headache, eye redness, nausea, vomiting, and sudden vision loss (medical emergency in acute angle-closure glaucoma)
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma The most common type. It develops slowly and painlessly due to reduced drainage of eye fluid, leading to gradual optic nerve damage.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma Occurs when the drainage angle suddenly becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma Optic nerve damage occurs even when intraocular pressure is within normal range.
Congenital Glaucoma Present at birth due to improper development of the eye’s drainage system.
Secondary Glaucoma Develops as a result of eye injury, inflammation, prolonged steroid use, or complications of other eye conditions (such as advanced diabetic retinopathy).
Permanent loss of side and central vision
Difficulty navigating, reading, or driving
Progressive central vision loss
Increased risk of complete blindness
Need for more complex surgical treatment in advanced stages
First-line treatment to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.
Advanced, lower-risk procedures suitable for early to moderate glaucoma.
Surgical procedures used in advanced or uncontrolled glaucoma to effectively reduce eye pressure.
ASG Narang Eye Institute offers world-class cataract surgery powered by advanced laser platforms, detailed corneal mapping, and personalized vision planning. With expert surgeons, a strict safety-first approach, and easy EMI options, patients enjoy sharper vision, fast recovery, and the freedom from glasses with high precision and comfort.
Measures intraocular pressure and corneal thickness for accurate diagnosis.
Provides high-resolution imaging of the optic nerve.
Evaluates peripheral vision loss.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the vital link between the eye and the brain. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) and is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.
Glaucoma typically occurs when the fluid in the eye (aqueous humor) does not drain properly. This fluid buildup increases internal eye pressure, which eventually damages the optic nerve fibers. However, glaucoma can also occur in individuals with “normal” eye pressure, a condition known as Normal-Tension Glaucoma.
The risk of glaucoma increases if you:
Are over the age of 40 or 60.
Have a family history of the condition.
Have medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Are highly nearsighted (myopia) or farsighted (hyperopia).
Have used corticosteroid medications for a long period.
Glaucoma is often called the “Silent Thief of Sight” because early stages usually show no symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice:
Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, leading to “tunnel vision.”
Seeing halos around lights.
Blurry or hazy vision.
Acute Warning: Severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and sudden blurred vision (this is a medical emergency known as Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma).
Early diagnosis is the only way to prevent vision loss. At ASG, we use a combination of advanced tests:
Tonometry: To measure your internal eye pressure.
HFA (Humphrey Field Analyzer): To map your peripheral vision.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): To get high-definition 3D images of your optic nerve.
Gonioscopy: To inspect the drainage angle of your eye.
While you cannot prevent the onset of glaucoma, you can prevent blindness through early detection. Regular, comprehensive eye exams at an ASG branch allow us to catch the disease in its earliest stages and start treatment before any permanent vision loss occurs.
While existing damage cannot be reversed, we can effectively manage the condition to preserve your remaining sight:
Medicated Eye Drops: The most common first step to lower eye pressure.
Laser Therapy (SLT/YAG): A painless procedure to improve fluid drainage.
Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy): Advanced surgical procedures to create a new drainage path for eye fluid when drops or lasers are not enough.
No. Eye drops are simple to apply, and laser treatments are performed using numbing drops, causing minimal to no discomfort. If surgery is required, it is performed under local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.
Unfortunately, no. Vision lost to glaucoma is permanent because the optic nerve cannot regenerate. This is why our focus at ASG Eye Hospital is on early intervention—to stop the disease in its tracks and protect the vision you still have.
We recommend a comprehensive glaucoma screening every 1–2 years once you reach age 40. However, if you have a family history or other risk factors, our specialists may recommend a check-up every 6 to 12 months to monitor your eye health closely.
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