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Shroff Eye Hospital



What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma a leading cause of blindness in the world, especially for older people. However visual loss is preventable or stabilized with early diagnosis and treatment.

Glaucoma is a condition of the eye where there is a rise in the pressure inside the eye (intra ocular pressure or IOP). If left untreated it could result in optic nerve damage and irreversible vision loss.

The optic nerve carries images to the brain, which are then perceived as vision. Nerve fibres from various parts of the retina join to form the optic nerve. Glaucoma results when the pressure within the eye is high enough to be detrimental to the normal functioning of these nerve fibres, some of which stop functioning. Non-functional nerve fibres result in a loss of retinal function in the area from where they originate, leading to defects in the field of vision.

The disease is called the `sneak thief of sight´ because it is painless, without symptoms and irreversible. Therefore, the person with glaucoma is usually unaware of it until much loss of vision has occurred. In fact, half of those suffering damage from glaucoma do not know it. Currently, damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed and if the entire nerve is damaged, blindness results.

Early detection and regular treatment are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.


We are supposed to have an equal production and drainage of a fluid inside the eye (called Aqueous Humour). This fluid results in a constant pressure within the eye (IOP). However, if the drainage is compromised due to any reason, there is a pressure build-up in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve.

Types Of Glaucoma

Chronic open-angle glaucoma

  1. Most common type of glaucoma
  2. Damages vision gradually and painlessly.
  3. The pressure is rarely high enough to be symptomatic.

Angle-closure glaucoma

An acute attack of glaucoma caused by sudden blockage of the drainage channels leading to a sharp rise in pressure within the eye.


  1. Blurred vision
  2. Severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting
  3. Headache
  4. Rainbow haloes around lights
  5. Pain around your eyes after watching TV or after leaving a dark theatre
  6. Red eyes

An acute attack requires the immediate attention of an eye doctor.

How is glaucoma detected?

  1. Regular eye examination by the ophthalmologist where the IOP is checked.
  2. Other tests include:

Tonometry – Measurement of the intraocular pressure [tension]

Gonioscopy – Inspection of the drainage angle of the eye

Ophthalmoscopy – Evaluation of optic nerve damage

Perimetry – Testing the visual field of each eye

Who is at risk for glaucoma?

  1. family history of glaucoma
  2. If you are over 45 and have not had your eyes examined regularly
  3. Near-sightedness [myopia]
  4. Any injury to your eyes
  5. Secondary to other ocular conditions [cataract, inflammation, tumours etc.]
  6. Long-term medication [corticosteroids]

How do I minimize the risk of getting glaucoma?

  1. You need an eye examination
  2. Every 18 – 24 months if you are age 39 years or over,
  3. Every 12 months if a family member has glaucoma, if you have had a serious eye injury in the past, or if you are taking steroid medication [tablets or eye drops].


The aim is to reduce the pressure in your eye. Damage already caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed.

Eye drops, tablets, laser and surgical operations are used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring.

With any type of glaucoma periodic examinations are very important to prevent loss of vision. Because, glaucoma can irreversibly worsen without your being aware of it, your treatment may need to be changed from time to time during the periodic examination.

Medical treatment

Eye drops




Laser surgery

  1. Lasers are usually used in one of three ways:
  2. In open-angle glaucoma the draining angle itself is enlarged to control eye pressure.

Operative Surgery (Trabeculectomy)


Surgery is recommended when our doctor feels that it is safer to operate than to allow optic nerve damage to continue. The best treatment for you should be decided after a thorough examination and discussion with us.

Glaucoma Clinic at Shroff Eye

Is for the special purpose of preserving sight with complete and regular monitoring

  1. The patient receives specialized care provided by our glaucoma specialists
  2. Regular follow-ups to monitor any asymptomatic cause and prevent irreversible loss of vision
  3. Tailor made treatments with regular assessments by our glaucoma specialist to ensure most favorable results.
  4. Record images and maintain records of your eye condition for comparison on following visits.

What is your part in the treatment?

  1. Treatment requires a team effort between you and the doctor.
  2. The prescription must never be altered or stopped without consulting your doctor.
  3. Frequent eye examinations and tests are critical to monitor your eyes for any changes.
Click here to Book an appointment with our Glaucoma specialist