What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the vital link between your eye and brain. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and is often called the "silent thief of sight" because vision loss occurs without warning.
Types of Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma (the most common type) develops slowly over years. There are no pain or early symptoms — by the time vision loss is noticed, significant irreversible damage has already occurred.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma is a sudden emergency with eye pain, blurred vision, headache, nausea, and halos around lights. Requires immediate treatment.
Risk Factors
- Age over 40 years
- Family history of glaucoma
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Diabetes, hypertension
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Long-term steroid use
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Comprehensive glaucoma screening includes: measurement of eye pressure (tonometry), examination of the optic nerve, visual field testing, and OCT (optical coherence tomography) scanning.
Treatment
While glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, further progression can be halted with: eye drops to lower pressure, laser treatment (SLT or iridotomy), or surgical procedures like trabeculectomy.
Get Screened Today
If you are over 40 or have risk factors, schedule a glaucoma screening with Dr. Munawar Ali Bhatti at A B Vision Hospital.