Our care team will contact you shortly.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause irreversible vision loss. It often develops gradually, and many people may have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help control glaucoma and reduce the risk of further vision loss.
At Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre, glaucoma evaluation includes clinical examination and specialised diagnostic tests to assess eye pressure, the optic nerve, visual field and other factors relevant to glaucoma.
Our ophthalmologists develop treatment plans according to the type and stage of glaucoma and the individual patient's needs.
Glaucoma
This page provides general educational information about glaucoma. Diagnosis and treatment should be determined after a comprehensive examination by a qualified ophthalmologist.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain.
In many forms of glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important risk factor. However, glaucoma can also occur even when eye pressure is within the statistically normal range.
If glaucoma progresses without appropriate management, it can cause permanent loss of vision.
The disease often begins by affecting peripheral (side) vision, while central vision may remain relatively unaffected in the early stages.
Vision lost because of glaucoma cannot generally be restored. Early detection and appropriate management are therefore important.
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because some forms can progress without noticeable symptoms during the early stages.
A person may feel that their vision is normal while damage is gradually occurring to the optic nerve.
By the time noticeable visual field loss develops, some permanent damage may already have occurred.
That is why people who have glaucoma risk factors should discuss appropriate screening with an eye specialist.
You may have a higher risk of glaucoma if you have one or more of the following risk factors.
The risk of glaucoma may increase as you get older, particularly after the age of 40.
Having a family history of glaucoma may increase your individual risk.
People with diabetes may have an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
High blood pressure and related systemic factors may be relevant when assessing glaucoma risk.
Certain thyroid or other systemic conditions may be considered when assessing glaucoma risk.
A previous injury or trauma to the eye may contribute to glaucoma risk.
Prolonged exposure to certain steroid medications may increase glaucoma risk.
Increased intraocular pressure is an important risk factor for many forms of glaucoma.
Having thinner corneas can be an important consideration when assessing glaucoma risk.
It means that an eye specialist may recommend appropriate examination or monitoring based on your individual circumstances.
Understanding the possible signs of glaucoma can help you recognise when an eye examination may be appropriate.
In its early stages, glaucoma may not cause noticeable symptoms. A person may feel that their vision is normal while damage to the optic nerve is gradually occurring.
You may begin to lose part of your side vision without immediately recognising the change.
Vision may become blurred or less clear.
Some patients may experience difficulty adapting to low-light conditions.
Coloured halos around lights can occur in some forms of glaucoma.
These symptoms may occur in certain forms, particularly acute angle-closure glaucoma.
These can accompany an acute rise in eye pressure and require urgent medical attention.
Sudden severe eye pain, marked redness, headache, nausea/vomiting or sudden deterioration in vision can occur in acute angle-closure glaucoma and should not be ignored.
Glaucoma includes several different conditions. The type, severity and underlying cause help determine the most appropriate approach to evaluation and treatment.
The drainage angle remains open, but fluid drainage may become less efficient. This can contribute to increased eye pressure and progressive optic nerve damage.
The drainage angle becomes narrowed or blocked, potentially causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. Acute angle closure can be an ophthalmic emergency.
Glaucoma may develop as a consequence of another eye condition, injury, inflammation or certain medications, including steroids.
Optic nerve damage can occur even when measured intraocular pressure is not elevated.
This is a rare form associated with abnormal development of the eye's drainage system and may present during infancy or childhood.
Pigment released from structures within the eye can interfere with aqueous fluid drainage and contribute to elevated eye pressure.
A comprehensive eye examination helps an ophthalmologist determine the type and characteristics of glaucoma and guide appropriate management.
A Comprehensive Glaucoma Assessment
No single test should be viewed in isolation when evaluating glaucoma. The ophthalmologist considers the patient's medical and family history, clinical examination and relevant diagnostic findings.
At Susrut, glaucoma assessment may include:
Measures intraocular pressure (IOP).
Provides detailed imaging of structures including the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layers.
Assesses the patient's field of vision and can help identify functional changes associated with glaucoma.
Allows the ophthalmologist to examine the drainage angle of the eye and helps distinguish different types of glaucoma.
Protecting remaining vision through appropriate, personalised glaucoma management.
Glaucoma-related optic nerve damage is generally irreversible. However, appropriate treatment can help control the disease and reduce the risk of further vision loss.
Treatment depends on factors such as the type and stage of glaucoma, intraocular pressure, optic nerve status, visual field, other eye conditions, overall health and previous treatment.
Eye drops are commonly used to reduce intraocular pressure. Depending on the medication, they may reduce aqueous humour production or improve aqueous humour drainage.
Your ophthalmologist will determine which medication is appropriate and how frequently it should be used.
Laser procedures may be recommended for selected patients depending on the type of glaucoma and clinical findings.
The purpose may include improving aqueous fluid drainage or reducing factors contributing to elevated eye pressure.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) includes a group of surgical techniques designed to improve aqueous outflow and lower intraocular pressure.
MIGS may be appropriate for some patients but is not suitable for every type or stage of glaucoma.
Trabeculectomy is a glaucoma filtration surgery that creates an alternative pathway for aqueous fluid to leave the eye.
It can help lower intraocular pressure and may be considered when other approaches do not provide adequate pressure control.
Glaucoma drainage devices, also known as tube shunts, may be used in selected advanced or difficult-to-control cases.
These devices can help lower intraocular pressure when other treatment approaches may not provide adequate control.
Patients should not stop glaucoma medication without discussing it with their ophthalmologist.
There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every glaucoma patient. Your ophthalmologist will recommend an approach based on your individual condition, eye health and stage of disease.
Medication may be prescribed to help reduce intraocular pressure.
Laser procedures may be recommended for selected patients depending on the type of glaucoma.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery may be considered in appropriate clinical situations.
A filtration procedure that may be considered when other approaches do not provide adequate pressure control.
Tube shunts may be used in selected advanced or difficult-to-control cases.
The objective is to achieve appropriate pressure control while considering the patient's overall eye health and disease stage.
Glaucoma is usually a long-term condition requiring ongoing monitoring. Even when you feel that your vision is stable, glaucoma can continue to progress.
Monitor intraocular pressure and treatment response.
Assess the optic nerve for signs of structural change.
Check for functional changes in peripheral or side vision.
Compare imaging findings over time when clinically appropriate.
Review medication use, tolerance and potential issues.
Track changes and determine whether treatment needs adjustment.
Feeling that your vision is normal does not necessarily mean that glaucoma is under control. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments.
Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss if it progresses without appropriate management.
Peripheral vision is often affected first. With advancing disease, central vision can also become affected, potentially leading to severe or complete irreversible visual loss.
This is why early diagnosis, treatment and continued monitoring are important.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent every case of glaucoma. However, early detection can make a major difference in managing the disease.
Diabetes is identified by Susrut as one of the conditions associated with increased glaucoma risk. People with diabetes should maintain appropriate eye-health monitoring as advised by their eye-care and medical teams.
Learn more about Diabetes & Eye HealthComprehensive glaucoma management supported by specialist ophthalmologists, advanced diagnostics and long-term follow-up.
Access glaucoma specialists with expertise in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment planning.
Comprehensive glaucoma evaluation including OCT, visual field testing, tonometry and gonioscopy.
Treatment options may include eye drops, laser procedures, MIGS and glaucoma surgery.
Ongoing monitoring helps assess disease progression, treatment response and eye health over time.
Consult our ophthalmologists with expertise in glaucoma evaluation, treatment and long-term management.
Cataract & Cornea, Glaucoma Care
Reg. No.: 77461 (WBMC)
Berhampore
Glaucoma Care
Reg. No.: 71388 (WBMC)
Saltlake, Salkia, DESUN
Glaucoma Care, Cataract & Cornea
Reg. No.: 60578 (WBMC)
Saltlake
Glaucoma Care, Lasik & Refractive, Cataract & Cornea, Oculoplasty
Reg. No.: 71709 (WBMC)
Saltlake
Glaucoma Care, Cataract & Cornea
Reg. No.: 48599 (WBMC)
Saltlake
Glaucoma Care, Cataract & Cornea
Reg. No.: 161458 (TNMC)
Saltlake, Berhampore
Answers to common questions about glaucoma, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma-related optic nerve damage cannot generally be reversed. However, appropriate treatment can help control the disease and reduce the risk of further vision loss.
No. Glaucoma can occur even when measured intraocular pressure is within the statistically normal range.
Many forms of glaucoma have no noticeable symptoms during the early stages. This is why appropriate screening and examination are important for people at higher risk.
Yes. If glaucoma progresses without appropriate management, it can cause severe and irreversible vision loss.
Assessment may include tonometry, OCT, visual field testing and gonioscopy, along with a comprehensive ophthalmic examination.
Yes. Eye drops are commonly used to lower intraocular pressure. The appropriate medication depends on the patient's condition.
No. Treatment depends on the type and stage of glaucoma and how well the disease responds to other treatments.
Glaucoma is generally a chronic condition that requires continued monitoring. Treatment aims to control the disease and reduce further damage rather than permanently eliminate the underlying condition.
Age over 40 is one of the risk factors identified on Susrut's current glaucoma page. People should discuss the appropriate frequency of eye examinations with an ophthalmologist based on their individual risk profile.
Early detection can help protect the vision you still have. If you are at increased risk of glaucoma, have been diagnosed with glaucoma, or have noticed changes in your vision, speak with a qualified ophthalmologist.