Best Glaucoma Doctors in Mumbai

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to irreversible vision loss and damage to the optic nerve. It is marked by an increase in pressure within the eye, often asymptomatic in its early stages. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, the vital link between the eye and the brain. The exact cause of this condition remains elusive, but it is generally associated with an upsurge in intraocular pressure. While primary glaucoma has no identifiable cause, secondary glaucoma can be traced to conditions like diabetes, tumours or eye injuries.

In the metropolitan city of Mumbai, there is a growing recognition of glaucoma as a serious health condition among the residents. Fortunately, some of the best glaucoma doctors are available at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai. Their team of expert ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists can be relied upon for treating eye-related disorders.

Types/Stages of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is classified by glaucoma specialists as follows:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: It's the most common form of Glaucoma, often with no symptoms in its early stages, leading to gradual vision loss.

• Closed-Angle Glaucoma: This can begin suddenly with severe eye pain and rapid vision loss.

• Low-Tension Glaucoma: Despite normal eye pressure, damage occurs possibly due to reduced blood supply to the optic nerve.

• Pigmentary Glaucoma: Changes in pigment cells in the eye lead to increased eye pressure.

• Childhood Glaucoma: Although rare in children, it could present symptoms like large eyes, tearing, and sensitivity to light.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

The symptoms of Glaucoma can range from subtle to severe. These include:

• Loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision.

• Sudden eye pain, blurred vision

• Nausea

• Seeing halos around lights.

• Symptomless which eventually leads to loss of vision

Tests to Diagnose Glaucoma

At Apollo Hospitals Mumbai, a comprehensive eye examination is conducted by some of the best glaucoma specialists to diagnose Glaucoma. This includes:

• Dilated Eye Exam: To examine the optic nerve and retina.

• Visual Field Test: To assess peripheral vision.

• Tonometry: To measure eye pressure.

• Gonioscopy: To evaluate the eye's drainage angle.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Glaucoma at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai

Glaucoma management requires a customised approach that includes:

• Medications: Eye drops are often prescribed initially to lower eye pressure. These may include prostaglandin analogues, beta blockers, alpha agonists, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

• Laser Treatment: This can help with fluid drainage from the eye, reducing pressure. Types of laser treatments include laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma and laser iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma.

• Surgery: Various procedures aim to improve fluid drainage and reduce eye pressure. Options range from traditional surgeries like trabeculectomy to minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) such as the iStent or Xen Gel Stent.

• Regular Monitoring: With glaucoma being a lifelong disease, regular check-ups are essential to track progression and adjust treatment as needed. Consistent monitoring ensures timely intervention to prevent further complications.