Glaucoma is a common but serious eye problem caused by damage to the optic nerves and abnormal pressure in the eyes. There are different types of glaucoma, including Acute-angle closure glaucoma, Narrow-angle glaucoma, Pigmentary glaucoma, and Normal-tension glaucoma. They affect the eyes with several symptoms( Eye pain, Blurry vision, Low vision, etc) and can result in irreversible vision loss if not treated properly. Early diagnosis and effective treatment by a Glaucoma specialist are always needed to save sight.
Who is a Glaucoma specialist?
He or she is an ophthalmologist who not merely cares for general eye problems but also has completed additional medical training, especially in diagnosing and treating glaucoma, the silent thief of sight.
Importance of a Glaucoma Specialist
They play a crucial role in managing glaucoma both therapeutically and surgically. While general eye doctors treat a wide range of eye diseases, glaucoma specialists have advanced expertise in detecting subtle signs for the treatment of glaucoma in particular by using the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques. Though this disease is irreversible ,a glaucoma doctor's timely consultation can slow or even stop the progression of the disease.
How does a Glaucoma specialist treat?
They provide a broader spectrum of glaucoma care for saving vision by advanced eye exams and modern treatment, including medication, laser therapy and surgery. They also help the people who are at risk for this visual disorder with a humble consultation for prevention. Their eye care procedures are-
Diagnosis:
An eminent glaucoma doctor responsibly performs the eye checkups first to detect the problem for fruitful treatment. The glaucoma screening tests are-
- Tonometry (Eye Pressure Test)
- Ophthalmoscopy (Examination of the Back of the Eye)
- Perimetry (Visual Field Test)
- Gonioscopy (Examination of the Eye's Drainage Angle)
- Pachymetry (Measures the Thickness of the Cornea)
Treatment:
Generally this disease cannot be cured easily, but a Glaucoma expert's proper treatment can help to stop further damage and save vision from getting blind. This medical procedure focuses on lowering the elevated intraocular pressure(IOP) to a level which is less likely to cause further nerve damage in the inner eyes. Glaucoma doctors decide the right plan for treatment according to the type of disease. The procedures are-
- Medication:
- Therapy and surgery:
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for open-angle glaucoma
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle closure glaucoma
- Trabeculectomy for open-angle glaucoma
- Glaucoma implant surgery for neovascular glaucoma
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) for mild glaucoma
Multiple medications are used to alleviate this vision problem initially. Ophthalmologists prescribe different eye drops according to intraocular pressure to decrease the amount of fluid in the eyes. Sometimes eye drops are not enough to reduce eye pressure solely. That is why eye specialists often prescribe different kinds of oral medicines.
Laser therapy is the most preferred medical option to treat the critical phase of this complication by glaucoma doctors. Here, the following laser therapies are performed in an outpatient setting in a glaucoma clinic based on severity to drain fluid within the eye and lower the eye pressure-
Surgery is recommended by glaucoma surgeons when other treatments do not lower the eye pressure to the desired level. Eye surgeons provide healing-friendly pre- and post-operative care for an easy recovery. Different types of incisional or conventional surgeries are done according to the intensity of the disease. They are-
Preventive care:
In addition to professional treatment, Glaucoma physicians advise maintaining certain tips for preventing this vision-threatening disorder, especially for people at high risk for glaucoma(40+ age, family history, steroid users, diabetic patients and previous eye injury or surgery). The tips are-
- Regular eye checkup & consultation with eye specialists
- A healthy diet and sufficient water drinking
- Physical activities and eye protection
- Quit smoking and alcohol habits
Qualities of a best Glaucoma Doctor
Glaucoma is a complex eye condition, and its treatment is also complicated. It is essential to find the right glaucoma care professional for the easy treatment of the eyes. You should keep in mind the following qualities at the time of finding the best glaucoma doctor near you-
Qualified training:
A quality doctor should have advanced professional training with an authentic fellowship board certificate in diagnosing and treating this eye problem.
Experience:
A specialist with long-term medical experience in successful glaucoma treatment can offer helpful solutions for this vision difficulty.
Comprehensive care:
A perfect ophthalmologist should offer a complete range of treatment with all kinds of procedures(eye exams, medications with drops and pills, laser therapy and surgery) to ensure the care for every specific condition.
Access to advanced technology:
A great glaucoma expert should have access to advanced technological tools in every step of treatment to ensure easy and quick results.
Good communication skills:
A skilled eye MD who has special training on glaucoma can explain difficult medical terms in simple language clearly. Open communication with him or her can help patients and their families in making the right decision immediately for starting treatment and managing preventive care.
Choosing a top Glaucoma Eye Specialist in Kolkata
You have to choose an ideal glaucoma specialist according to the above qualities, but some following factors should also be considered.
- Positive online and offline reviews from those people who have first-hand experience can help you in finding a good doctor for glaucoma.
- Proximity to a doctor is important here. You have to choose a Doctor whose Glaucoma care clinic is situated near you because regular checkups, consultation and treatment are needed.
- You have to choose a glaucoma eye hospital which provides the best treatment by a group of good doctors at an affordable cost.
Thus, vision is always peerless for everyone; you have to take essential steps for managing this vision disorder by choosing a top glaucoma specialist who offers accessible and cutting-edge solutions. If you are searching for a trusted glaucoma eye hospital in Kolkata, Renuka Eye Institute is always ready with modern eye care facilities with a patient-centred approach. The qualified and experienced expert team at our eye care centre offers the best glaucoma treatment in Bengal with perfect dedication and proactive care.
