What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). It can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early.
Glaucoma is often painless and can go unnoticed until vision is already lost — this is why it’s called the “silent thief of sight.”
Types of Glaucoma
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) – Most common, slow progressing
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma – Sudden, painful, a medical emergency
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma – Optic nerve damage even with normal pressure
- Secondary Glaucoma – Caused by trauma, medications, or disease
- Congenital Glaucoma – Present at birth
Laser Treatment
- Opens clogged drainage channels in the eye
- Used for open-angle glaucoma
- Makes a tiny hole in the iris
- Used for angle-closure glaucoma
- Destroys part of the ciliary body to reduce fluid production
Surgery
- Creates a new drainage channel for fluid to leave the eye
- A tiny tube is inserted to help drain fluid
- Safer with quicker recovery, but less effective for severe cases
