Glaucoma is a very dangerous eye disease and a silent killer of vision too and second most common cause of blindness in the world. As it does not display any early warning signs, many sufferers do not know that they may have Glaucoma, and by the time there is a noticeable symptom, an irreversible damage could have already occurred.

It causes damage to the optic nerve because of elevated intraocular pressure. In its early stages, glaucoma may present no symptoms and can gradually damage sight without warning.

Since Glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms. It can only be diagnosed through a routine Eye check up by measuring the Eye Pressure and some specific tests of which the Gold Standard test is Field of vision Test (Perimetry). Only an Eye Examination can detect glaucoma.

Those over 40, years of age having a family history of Glaucoma, high Myopia, high blood pressure or diabetes and those who have suffered any eye injuries in the past or have used steroids are all at high risk of Glaucoma. While older adults are at high risk, it can strike at any age.

Yes. Glaucoma often goes unrecognized until significant permanent damage and some loss of sight has occurred which is peripheral, it is only field of vision- through Perimetry testing it is diagnosed.

Glaucoma is usually controlled with eye drops taken daily. These medications lower eye pressure, either by decreasing the amount of aqueous fluid produced within the eye or by improving the flow through the drainage angle.

Never change or stop taking your medications without consulting your ophthalmologist.

Once you are taking medications for Glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to see you more frequently. Typically you can expect to visit your ophthalmologist every three to four months. This will vary depending on your treatment needs.

If medications don’t work and symptoms become severe then a Surgery is recommended.

No, till date no preventive measure is found for the Cataract. It is an age related changes. No drugs, diets or medicine can delay or cure the Cataract. However, Wearing a sunglass that blocks the UV rays can slow down the process of development of Cataract.

Surgery is the only way to remove the Cataract.

Under an operating microscope and with Phaco-emulsification machine a small cut is made in the eye and cloudy lens is removed and plastic Intra-ocular Lens is placed in place of natural lens.

Over 95% of Cataract surgery will improve the vision. While pre-existing associated condition like glaucoma, diabetes, retinal condition etc may limit the vision even after surgery. Yet, Cataract surgery may still be worthwhile and necessary.

Under ordinary circumstances cataract surgery is not an emergency situation except few rare instances. Therefore in most of the cases the choice of undergoing surgery largely depends upon patients. In the past, surgeons usually waited till the time Cataract becomes mature or ripe, but modern technique an advances have now made possible to perform Cataract removal at early stage. When it interferes with your day to day work, it is time for surgery. However, it is advisable to have cataract operated early before it becomes hard. An Ophthalmologist can give proper guidance.

In recent time, two techniques are widely performed like;

ECCE ( Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction) : It is safe and perform under the operating microscope where the posterior (back membrane) of Cataract is kept inside purposefully to support the IOL (Intra Ocular Lens). The big incision of around 8-10 mm is sutured with very thin thread.

PE (Phaco Emulsification) : It is the latest technique which is performed by computerized machine. Since incision is very small of 2.85 mm, no sutures are required and rehabilitation of the patient is quick and fast.