The Silent Thief of Sight
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most prevalent form of the disease. It is a chronic, progressive condition where the intraocular pressure (IOP) increases because the eye’s natural drainage system—the trabecular meshwork—becomes microscopically clogged over many years.
The tragedy of Open-Angle Glaucoma is its invisibility. Unlike an infection, it causes no pain or redness. It begins by quietly eroding the outer edges of your peripheral vision. By the time a patient notices "tunnel vision," up to 40% of their optic nerve fibers may already be permanently damaged.
Clinical Indicators
- • Gradual loss of peripheral side vision.
- • Tunnel vision in advanced stages.
- • Elevated Intraocular Pressure (above 21 mmHg).
- • Family history of Glaucoma.
Diagnostic Precision
At Prasan Nethralaya, we utilize HD-OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and Humphrey Field Analysis to detect nerve fiber thinning years before vision loss occurs. This early intervention is the only way to prevent blindness.
Management Pathways
1. Medical Therapy
Most cases are managed with daily prescription eye drops that either reduce fluid production or improve drainage. Dr. Jaideep Sharma customizes these to reach a safe "Target Pressure" for your specific eye.
2. SLT Laser (Non-Invasive)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a modern, 5-minute outpatient procedure that uses cold-laser pulses to stimulate the eye's natural drainage cells. It is painless and can reduce the need for eye drops.
3. Surgical Stabilization
In advanced cases, procedures like Trabeculectomy or Glaucoma Shunts are used to create a permanent bypass for fluid drainage.
Procedure FAQ
Why is it called "Open-Angle"?
It is called "Open-Angle" because the physical space where the iris meets the cornea is wide and open. However, the microscopic drainage canals *inside* that angle are clogged, much like a drain that looks fine on the surface but has a pipe blockage deep inside.
Is vision loss from Glaucoma reversible?
No. Vision lost to glaucoma is caused by the death of optic nerve fibers. Once these fibers die, they cannot be regrown. All treatments are designed to save the vision you currently have.
Does the SLT laser hurt?
Not at all. We use topical anesthetic drops to numb the eye. You may see a few flashes of light, but you will not feel any pain during the 5-minute procedure.