Glaucoma is a type of eye disease that damages the optic nerve, the cable that carries vision signals from the eyes to the brain. The most common cause of glaucoma is raised eye pressure, but age, family history, diabetes, long-term steroid use, and past eye injuries can also increase risk. Because early changes are subtle, recognising the signs of glaucoma and the symptoms of a glaucoma is essential. With timely eye glaucoma treatment, the progression can often be slowed or stopped, preserving vision for years.
In Punjabi, glaucoma is commonly called ਕਾਲਾ ਮੋਤੀਆ (Kala Motia). The term reflects the seriousness of the disease if ignored, making regular eye check-ups crucial.
If you are in Bathinda or nearby areas of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan: Vasu Eye Institute & Skin Centre (Vasu Hospital Bathinda) offers complete care – from early detection to advanced treatment, ensuring every stage of glaucoma is managed with expertise.
2. Early Signs of Glaucoma
Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is especially true in open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, where the eye’s natural fluid (aqueous humor) drains too slowly, causing gradual pressure build-up. Without timely care, vision loss is permanent.
Here are seven early signs of glaucoma you should never ignore:
- Seeing Halos Around Lights
Glowing rings around headlights, streetlamps, or bulbs, especially at night, can signal changes in eye pressure or corneal swelling. - Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Power
If your prescription changes more often than usual, it may be an early symptom of glaucoma, especially if other warning signs are present. - Headaches and Eye Strain
Dull aches around the eyes, brow heaviness after reading, or discomfort after long screen use may indicate fluctuating pressure and possible cause of glaucoma progression. - Redness or Eye Irritation
Constant redness, irritation, or congestion that does not improve with lubricating drops may require an exam.
- Narrowing Side Vision (Tunnel Vision)
Glaucoma often affects peripheral vision first. You may bump into objects or notice you turn your head more to see things at the side. - Sudden Eye Pain with Nausea or Blurred Vision
A rapid rise in pressure, often due to acute angle-closure glaucoma, can cause severe pain, halos, and blurred vision. This is a medical emergency.
- Light Sensitivity or Poor Night Vision
Difficulty adjusting between bright and dim light, glare issues, or trouble driving at night can be early signs of glaucoma.
Note on Childhood Glaucoma: Rare but serious, it can present with watery eyes without crying, cloudy corneas, frequent blinking, or worsening myopia.
3. Diagnosis & Eye Glaucoma Treatment Options
How Glaucoma is Detected
At Vasu Hospital Bathinda, advanced technology ensures accurate diagnosis:
- Tonometry: Measures eye pressure.
- OCT & Fundus Imaging: Detects early optic nerve changes.
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness.
- Visual Field Testing: Identifies blind spots.
- Gonioscopy: Examines drainage angles.
Eye Glaucoma Treatment Options
While damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed, the right treatment can stop it from getting worse. Common methods include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: First-line pressure-lowering approach.
- Oral Medications: Short-term control when rapid reduction is needed.
- Laser Therapy (SLT): Improves drainage without surgery.
- MIGS: Minimally invasive stents for better fluid flow.
- Trabeculectomy or Glaucoma Implants: For advanced or uncontrolled cases.
If you are concerned about the cost of glaucoma treatment, discussing your options at Vasu Hospital Bathinda can help you understand affordable plans while still accessing the highest standard of care. Patients often ask about the glaucoma treatment cost in India, which varies by severity, type of procedure, and technology used.
4. Advanced Glaucoma Facilities at Vasu Eye Institute
Vasu Hospital Bathinda attracts patients from Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan thanks to technology usually seen only in metro cities:
- Zeiss Visual Field Analyzer for early side vision loss detection.
- Nidek RNFL Scan for optic nerve fibre measurement.
- Kowa Stereo Fundus Camera for 3D nerve imaging.
- Applanation Tonometry for accurate pressure measurement.
- Gonioscopy for precise glaucoma type identification.
- Central Corneal Thickness Measurement for correct pressure interpretation.
- Non-Contact Tonometry for a comfortable air-puff test.
- Nd YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy for angle-closure treatment.
- Trabeculectomy & Implants for long-term pressure control.
5. Prevention & Lifestyle Tips
While you cannot fully prevent the cause of glaucoma, healthy habits can reduce risk and help treatment work better:
- Annual check-ups after 40 or earlier if at risk.
- Take prescribed drops consistently.
- Keep diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.
- Exercise moderately with doctor approval.
- Wear sunglasses in bright light and safety glasses in dusty areas.
- Eat leafy greens, berries, carrots, and omega-3-rich foods.
- Avoid smoking and limit caffeine or alcohol.
- Follow the 20-20-20 screen break rule.
Get good-quality sleep.
6. Why Early Detection Matters
Glaucoma causes permanent damage, but when found early and treated, vision can be preserved. If you notice halos, frequent prescription changes, headaches, redness, tunnel vision, sudden blur, or poor night vision, these could be the symptoms of a glaucoma – so, seek care immediately.
Regular screenings from age 40, or earlier with risk factors, give the best chance to avoid irreversible damage. The cost of eye care treatment is far less than the lifelong impact of vision loss, making timely care a wise investment.
📍 Vasu Eye Institute & Skin Centre, Bhatti Road, Near Beri Wala Baba, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
📞 General: +91 9501443977 | Surgical/Emergency: +91 9872030377
7. FAQs
Halos, prescription changes, headaches, redness, tunnel vision, sudden blur, poor night vision
While cataracts cannot be completely prevented, you can lower your risk by protecting your eyes from UV rays, controlling diabetes, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants. Regular eye check-ups also help in early detection.
Early optic nerve damage and small blind spots.
Any age, but most common after 40.
You cannot; only an eye exam confirms it.
Often normal early; later heaviness, ache, or blur.
Pressure check, optic nerve scan, visual field test, pachymetry, and gonioscopy.
Yes, with eye glaucoma treatment like drops, lasers, or surgery.
Often normal early; red or hazy in advanced stages.
Over 40, family history, diabetes, steroid use, high myopia.
