Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Because it develops gradually and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight.” Early detection through regular eye examinations is essential to preserve vision.

Indications and Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you have:
• A family history of glaucoma.
• High intraocular pressure.
• Age over 40, especially in Middle Eastern populations.
• History of eye injury or prolonged steroid use.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

Diagnosis and Treatment
At Dr. Maha Eye Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools such as:
• Tonometry: Measures eye pressure.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Images the optic nerve and retinal layers.
• Visual field testing: Detects peripheral vision loss.

Treatment aims to lower IOP and prevent further optic nerve damage. Options include:
• Medications: Prescription eye drops to reduce pressure.
• Laser therapy: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage.
• Surgery: Minimally invasive or conventional procedures when other methods are insufficient.

Possible Complications
Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Even with treatment, regular monitoring is crucial to detect changes early.