What is the best treatment for glaucoma?

Glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight because it causes no symptoms of vision loss until the problem becomes severe. And for this reason, glaucoma patients are advised to go only to the best glaucoma doctor in Delhi.

There is little need to go into details of the types of glaucoma after knowing its severity. If left unchecked, it could lead to blindness. But you should know that age and thyroid problems increase the risk of glaucoma.

What is glaucoma?

It is build-up of pressure in the eye. This pressure damages the optic nerve. The small space in the anterior chamber has clear fluid flowing to nourish and bath nearby tissues. The rate of entering and draining of fluid remains the same to prevent fluid build-up. But sometimes this fluid drains slower than needed. It results in build-up of fluid and pressure.

Treatments for glaucoma

Glaucoma treatment involves reducing pressure by increasing the rate of draining of fluid. And it is achieved in following ways.

Eyedrops: A majority of glaucoma cases, treatment starts with eyedrops. But compliance with doctor’s prescription is necessary to achieve best results and avoid side effects that include stinging and change in eye colour. Sometimes people feel retinal detachments and difficulty breathing.

Medicines: Oral anhydrase inhibitor is prescribed when medicines fail to give expected results or the results are delayed due to slow response. Oral medicines also have side effects but it is seen that these effects are less likely to happen if the meds are taken with meals. Also, the side effects subside with time.

Surgery: When eyedrops and meds don’t work or when patients show signs of inability to tolerate the side effects, patients are suggested to go for surgery. Its advantage is that it gives fast relief and it works for a long time.

Trabeculoplasty: The drainage canals of the affected eye are opened using a laser beam. The laser will unblock the canals allowing free flow of liquid and reduce the pressure.

Filtering surgery: It involves opening of channels within the eye to improve drainage. This surgery works when others don’t.

Drainage implant: A small silicone tube is inserted to improve drainage. It helps but it is used for patients with secondary glaucoma or children.

The best glaucoma doctor in Delhi can suggest the right treatment after studying the problem. He will study condition of the affected eye and your overall medical condition before suggesting a treatment option.