Comprehensive Vision Care
Glaucoma care starts with regular check-ups.
Glaucoma often has no early symptoms. Examination and long-term follow-up are how it is found and kept under watch.
Comprehensive Vision Care
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve, which carries what the eye sees to the brain, is gradually damaged. Raised pressure inside the eye is a common factor, but it is not the only one.
Glaucoma is usually a long-term condition that is managed rather than cured. Damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed, so the aim of care is to find glaucoma early and to protect the vision that remains. Treatment and follow-up are planned for each person.
Why check-ups matter
Often no early symptoms. That is why an examination matters.
Vision lost to glaucoma does not come back, and early on most people notice nothing. Regular examination is how it is found, and how any change is caught.
Monitoring
What monitoring may include
Which tests are needed, and how often, is for your doctor to decide.
- Eye pressure
- The pressure inside the eye is measured, because raised pressure is a common factor in glaucoma.
- The optic nerve
- The nerve at the back of the eye is examined for the changes that glaucoma causes.
- Side vision
- A test of the field of vision shows whether any part of it has been lost, often without the person noticing.
See it explained
How fluid drains, and how pressure can rise
Switch between normal drainage and slowed drainage to see one common way glaucoma develops.
Fluid drains as it is made
The inside of the front of the eye is kept in balance. A clear fluid is made continuously, flows through the pupil, and drains away at the angle where the iris meets the cornea. The pressure inside the eye stays within a healthy range.
See it explained
How glaucoma can narrow side vision
The change is usually gradual, which is why regular examinations matter.
The whole scene is in view, including its edges.
Vision lost to glaucoma does not come back, and early on most people notice nothing. Regular examination is how it is found, and how any change is caught.
Know the signs
Who should have regular eye checks
- Anyone with a close relative who has glaucoma
- People who are getting older, because the risk rises with age
- People who are very short-sighted
- People who use steroid medicines over a long period, as advised by their doctor
- People who have had an injury to the eye
Sudden eye pain with redness, halos around lights, headache or sickness needs urgent medical attention.
What to expect
What an assessment involves
A general outline of long-term care. The doctor decides which tests you need and how often.
Examination
Your eyes are examined, including the optic nerve at the back of the eye.
Tests chosen by the doctor
Tests may measure the pressure in the eye and the field of vision. Which tests are needed is the doctor's decision.
Findings and plan
The doctor explains what was found, whether treatment is needed and what it aims to do.
Treatment, where needed
Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser or surgery. If any of these is suitable, the doctor explains the choices.
Regular follow-up
Glaucoma needs monitoring over the long term, so check-ups continue as the doctor advises.
Watch
Videos on this topic
Dr. Poonam Jain's centre shares short videos on its YouTube channel and in its own footage.
Videos are general information, not a substitute for an examination. They complement the written information on this page.
Pressing play loads YouTube's player (privacy-enhanced mode). Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Pressing play loads YouTube's player (privacy-enhanced mode). Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Common questions
Questions patients often ask
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your own eyes need to be examined before anyone can advise you.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma is usually managed long term rather than cured. Treatment aims to slow or stop further damage to the optic nerve.
Can I have glaucoma with normal eye pressure?
Yes. Some people develop optic nerve damage even when the pressure measures in the normal range, which is one reason a full examination is needed.
Do I have to keep coming back?
Usually, yes. Glaucoma can change over time without symptoms, so regular follow-up is part of care. The doctor tells you how often.
Does glaucoma run in families?
Having a close relative with glaucoma raises your own risk, so tell the doctor if someone in your family has it.
Speak to the centre about your eyes.
Contact the centre to plan your visit or arrange an eye consultation.
13A, Pocket A, Phase 3, Ashok Vihar, Delhi 110052