Primary open-angle glaucoma
The most common form, developing slowly over years as the eye’s drainage angle remains open but becomes less efficient, gradually raising eye pressure.
The silent thief of sight
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the cable that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It is most often, but not always, associated with elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).
What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is that it usually causes no symptoms until significant, irreversible vision loss has already occurred. This is why it’s often called "the silent thief of sight."
Globally, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness — but with early detection and consistent treatment, vision loss can almost always be prevented or slowed.
Types
Types of glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma
Occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. This can be chronic (gradual) or acute (sudden and painful) — acute angle-closure is a medical emergency.
Normal-tension glaucoma
Optic nerve damage occurs even though eye pressure remains within the normal range, often linked to poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
Congenital glaucoma
Present at birth or develops in early childhood due to abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system.
Secondary glaucoma
Results from another condition or factor, such as eye injury, inflammation, certain medications (like steroids), or advanced cataracts.
Who is at risk
Risk factors
- Age over 40, with risk increasing significantly after 60
- Family history of glaucoma
- High eye pressure
- Thin corneas
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Previous eye injury or long-term steroid use
- Certain ethnic backgrounds carry higher risk for specific glaucoma types
Signs to watch for
Symptoms to watch for
Most types of glaucoma have no early symptoms, which is why regular screening is essential. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
A simulation of how untreated glaucoma narrows side vision over time. Real vision loss is often patchy and harder to notice.
Acute angle-closure needs emergency care
Sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision can mean acute angle-closure glaucoma. This requires emergency care — call +91 11 2604 2611 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Diagnosis
How glaucoma is diagnosed
- Tonometry
- Measures intraocular pressure
- Optic nerve imaging (OCT)
- Detailed scan of the optic nerve fibre layer to detect early damage
- Visual field testing
- Maps peripheral vision to detect and track vision loss
- Gonioscopy
- Examines the drainage angle of the eye
- Pachymetry
- Measures corneal thickness, which affects pressure readings
Treatment
Treatment options
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but its progression can almost always be controlled.
1. Eye drops
The first line of treatment for most patients — used daily to lower eye pressure by improving drainage or reducing fluid production.
2. Laser treatment
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) — improves drainage in open-angle glaucoma
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) — creates a small opening in the iris to relieve angle-closure glaucoma
3. Surgery
Reserved for cases not adequately controlled with drops or laser:
- Trabeculectomy — creates a new drainage channel
- Glaucoma drainage devices / implants
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) — newer, lower-risk procedures often combined with cataract surgery
Everyday life
Living with glaucoma
- Take prescribed eye drops exactly as directed — consistency is critical
- Attend all follow-up appointments for pressure checks and visual field monitoring
- Report any changes in vision immediately
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, balanced diet, and blood pressure control
- Avoid activities that spike eye pressure if advised by your doctor (e.g., certain inverted yoga poses)
Why regular screening matters
Because glaucoma is symptom-free in its early stages, routine comprehensive eye exams — especially after age 40 or with a family history — are the only reliable way to catch it early. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, but with timely treatment, further loss can almost always be prevented.
Your care at Kunj Eye Hospital
Doctors, equipment & related services
Your doctors
Consultations are with our ophthalmologists:
- Dr. Prashant Saxena M.B.B.S, M.S (Ophthalmology)
- Dr. Rajiv Ghai M.B.B.S, M.S (Ophthalmology)
Equipment used
Goldmann applanation tonometer for eye pressure, OCT scans of the optic nerve, visual field analyzer, pachymeter, and Nd:YAG laser for iridotomy.
See all our facilities & equipment