Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight (and How to Catch It Early)

Key Takeaways

• Glaucoma is a progressive disease that damages the optic nerve, often without pain or early warning.

• High eye pressure (intraocular pressure) is a major risk factor but glaucoma can also occur with normal pressure.

• Regular eye pressure checks and optic nerve scans are vital for early detection.

• Once vision is lost from glaucoma, it cannot be restored but early diagnosis can stop further loss.

• At I-Sight Eye Care, Mumbai, Dr. Nikhil Nasta uses advanced OCT imaging, visual-field testing, and laser or micro-surgical treatments to preserve sight.

  
  

Introduction

They call it the silent thief of sight for a reason.Glaucoma quietly damages your optic nerve the “cable” that connects your eye to your brain often before you notice a single symptom.

By the time you realise your vision is narrowing, the loss is usually permanent.That’s why early detection and lifelong monitoring are key.

At I-Sight Eye Care, Mumbai, Dr. Nikhil Nasta combines early-warning technology, individualized eye-pressure management, and patient education to help you catch glaucoma before it steals your sight.

👉 Learn more on our Glaucoma Services or schedule an Eye Pressure Check today.

What Exactly Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that cause progressive optic-nerve damage, often due to a build-up of pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).

Main Types

1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Most common; develops slowly and painlessly.

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Sudden blockage of drainage channels—an eye emergency.

3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic-nerve damage despite normal eye pressure.

4. Congenital / Secondary Glaucoma: Linked to eye injuries, steroid use, or other diseases.

Regardless of type, untreated glaucoma gradually narrows your visual field, leading to tunnel vision and, eventually, blindness.

Glaucoma Symptoms: What to Watch For

Most early cases show no obvious symptoms, but advanced stages may include:

• Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision

• Blurred or hazy vision

• Difficulty seeing in dim light

• Halos around lights

• Frequent change in glasses prescription

• Eye pain or headache (in acute cases)

If you’re over 40, have a family history, diabetes, or high myopia, regular glaucoma screening is essential even if your vision seems fine.

The Importance of Eye Pressure Checks

Checking intraocular pressure (IOP) is the easiest way to screen for glaucoma. It’s quick, painless, and should be part of every annual eye exam after age 35.

At I-Sight Eye Care, we use non-contact tonometry, Goldmann applanation, and OCT nerve imaging to detect pressure and optic-nerve changes even before symptoms appear.

Recommended Screening Frequency

Age / Risk Group	Eye Pressure Check
Under 40, low risk	Every 2 years
40 – 60 years	Every year
60 + years / family history / diabetes	Every 6 months

Glaucoma Treatment in Mumbai

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be controlled and vision preserved with consistent treatment.

1️⃣ Eye Drops (First Line)

• Reduce fluid production or improve drainage.

• Must be used daily, lifelong as prescribed.

2️⃣ Laser Treatments

• Laser Trabeculoplasty: Opens drainage channels for better fluid flow.

• Laser Iridotomy: Creates a micro-opening in the iris for angle-closure glaucoma.

• Cyclophotocoagulation: Reduces eye fluid formation in advanced cases.

3️⃣ Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

For cases unresponsive to drops or lasers:

• Trabeculectomy or tube shunts create new fluid-drainage paths.

• MIGS implants offer smaller incisions, quicker recovery.

At I-Sight Eye Care, Dr. Nikhil Nasta customizes each plan based on glaucoma type, pressure profile, and nerve status.

Living With Glaucoma: Lifestyle & Monitoring

• Adhere strictly to medication schedule.

• Avoid steroid overuse unless prescribed.

• Manage blood pressure and diabetes.

• Wear protective eyewear during sports or hazardous work.

• Schedule regular visual-field and OCT scans to track nerve stability.

• Maintain healthy sleep and exercise habits for ocular blood flow.

  
  

Technology at I-Sight Eye Care

• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): Detects microscopic nerve damage.

• Perimetry (Visual-Field Analysis): Measures functional vision loss.

• Pachymetry: Evaluates corneal thickness to fine-tune pressure readings.

• AI-assisted Progression Reports: Monitor subtle changes over time.

  
  

Early detection through these tools can preserve up to 95 % of vision with timely treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can glaucoma be cured?

No, but early detection and treatment prevent vision loss and preserve quality of life.

Q: Is high eye pressure always glaucoma?

Not necessarily, some people tolerate higher pressure without damage. That’s why optic-nerve scans are equally important.

Q: How often should I get my eye pressure checked?

After age 40, at least once a year; sooner if you have risk factors.

Q: Is glaucoma hereditary?

Yes, having a parent or sibling with glaucoma increases your risk up to 8 times.

Q: What’s the best glaucoma treatment in Mumbai?

Individualized care combining eye-pressure control (drops + laser + MIGS) and continuous nerve monitoring at I-Sight Eye Care offers the best outcomes.

Conclusion

Glaucoma may be silent, but it isn’t unstoppable.With regular eye-pressure checks, modern diagnostics, and timely treatment, blindness from glaucoma is largely preventable.

At I-Sight Eye Care, Mumbai, Dr. Nikhil Nasta focuses on early detection, lifelong monitoring, and advanced care because your vision deserves vigilance.

👉 Book your Eye Pressure Check or learn more about Glaucoma Treatment in Mumbai today.