Nirmals Eye Hospital. 108/5, Ayyasamy Street, Opp. Union Bank, West Tambaram, Chennai 45, Ph: /175,

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1 GLAUCOMA The Sneak Thief of your vision Nirmals Eye Hospital 108/5, Ayyasamy Street, Opp. Union Bank, West Tambaram, Chennai 45, Ph: /175,

2 WHAT IS GLAUCOMA? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the pressure of fluid within the eye gradually increases to a level not tolerated by the sensitive tissues of the eye. The optic nerve, which carries visual images to the brain, is susceptible to damage from glaucoma. Such damage is irreparable, resulting in permanent loss of vision and complete blindness. Rarely, a weakly structured optic nerve or poor blood circulation in the back of the eye can also cause glaucoma-like damage to the optic nerve, even if eye pressures are normal. NIRMALS GLAUCOMA CLINIC Our Glaucoma Department - offers early diagnosis and treatment modalities for Glaucoma, a silent thief of sight. Specialized in Glaucoma, Dr. Nirmal Fredrick, has set up a comprehensive Glaucoma care unit by introducing advanced diagnostic equipments, Laser unit, and advanced glaucoma surgery to detect, treat and control this sight threatening disease.

3 Screening of High Risk patients for Glaucoma, Advanced visual field analyser, Gonioscopy, Slit imaging, Pachymetry, Non Contact and Contact tonometer to measure Eye pressure,nidek OCT scan to study the Optic Nerve head, make this unit an important part of our comprehensive eye care facility. WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA? There is a fluid filled chamber in front of the eye called the anterior chamber. It is filled with aqueous humour, which bathes and nourishes the tissues of the eye. For reasons yet unknown, if the drainage of this fluid out of the eye is restricted, pressure builds up within the eye. Unless this pressure is controlled by appropriate treatment, it causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve and other parts of the eye and causes a permanent loss of vision. WHO IS LIKELY TO GET GLAUCOMA? Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in India. Based on various population sample studies, about 3 percent of the general population have some form of glaucoma. Older individuals over the age of 40 are more likely to have glaucoma, but people of all age groups including newborn infants may have glaucoma.

4 Individuals with myopia, diabetes, systemic hypertension and family history of glaucoma have an increased risk. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA? Most types of glaucoma's can cause significant visual loss without any symptoms. Until advanced, vision stays normal and there is no pain or redness of the eye. Hence, a periodical eye check-up of all individuals is desirable to exclude the possibility of glaucoma. However, if glaucoma progresses without adequate treatment, the following symptoms may occur in some individuals: Normal Vision Glaucoma Glaucoma Pain around the eyes when coming out from darkness. e.g. when coming out of a theatre Coloured halo rings seen around bulbs, especially during mornings and nights Frequent change of reading glasses, headaches, pain and redness of the eyes

5 Reduced vision in dim illumination and during nights Gradual decrease of side vision and Blurring of vision HOW IS GLAUCOMA DETECTED? A simple test with a device called the tonometer measures pressure within the eye. This is performed after applying local anaesthesic eye drops that numb the eye. It does not cause pain or irritation. This test alone cannot detect all glaucomas. The back of the eye should be inspected to view the optic nerve after dilating the pupils. Side vision may also be examined by a computerassisted, simple test called perimetry (visual field examination). HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED? Glaucoma cannot be cured. The loss of vision that already exists cannot be recovered. However, appropriate treatment and regular follow-up can preserve residual vision from further damage. Earlier the diagnosis, better is the chances of arresting the progression of glaucoma.

6 MEDICATIONS Several drugs are available to reduce fluid formation within the eye or promote their drainage from the eye. For most people with glaucoma, regular use of medications will control the increased fluid pressure. However, in some, drugs may stop working after a period of time. In these situations, the ophthalmologist can help by adding or changing medications or by choosing another type of treatment: laser or surgical methods. Periodical eye examinations are therefore essential to ensure that the medications are working. LASER TREATMENT In some type of glaucomas, called angle closure glaucomas, laser treatment is used to reduce eye pressure. This is a simple out-patient procedure, which uses a strong beam of light to relieve the fluid pressure. In open angle type glaucomas, laser treatment is applied only if various medications fail to control the fluid pressure. Medications need to be continued regularly even after laser treatment. Laser treatment has very minimal complications, but its effect in reducing the eye pressure may wear off over time. SURGERY In some persons with glaucoma, medical or laser treatment is insufficient to arrest glaucoma and surgery is indicated.

7 But this treatment option has its risks and limitations and is reserved as treatment of last resort. Even after surgical treatment, individuals with glaucoma should continue periodical check-ups by an ophthalmologist, to ensure adequate control of eye pressures. Nirmals Eye Hospital 108/5, Ayyasamy Street, Opp. Union Bank, West Tambaram, Chennai 45 Ph: /175, Nirmals Eye Clinic No.81, G.S.T. Road, (Near K.R.Hospital) Guduvanchery , Ph: