Glaucoma usually develops slowly, and many people don’t notice any obvious changes in the beginning. It increases pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. The key point is that you often won’t notice it early. That’s why the treatment timeline counts. Below is a simple breakdown of what typically happens from diagnosis to surgery and beyond. It’s meant to give you a clear sense of the process, so everything feels easier to understand.
Step 1: The First Symptoms
Many patients learn they have glaucoma during a standard eye test. Some visit when symptoms like eye pressure or blurred night vision appear. Others come in because a family member has the condition, and genetics can matter.
Now, the doctor checks your eye pressure. A basic vision exam follows. If the pressure seems borderline or high, other tests follow.
Step 2: Diagnostic Tests & Confirmation
A full assessment supports the diagnosis. This involves pressure exams, optic nerve scans, and visual field tests. A common question patients ask is about the glaucoma test cost. Price will vary by centre, what machines are used, and the type of imaging needed. Modern machines provide such detailed scanning that even very mild changes are visible.
Your doctor determines which type of glaucoma you have. It can be open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension glaucoma, or secondary to other causes. Treatment varies according to the type and severity. Then, once confirmed, it’s all about pressure control.
Step 3: Starting Medical Treatment
For most people, eye drops are the first port of call. They reduce fluid production or help fluid drain. The doctor may also add tablets if the pressure is very high.
The first couple of weeks are a watch-and-see period. You might need to come back because the doctor wants to see if the pressure is coming down. Some patients respond fast. Others require a new medication. The dose matters. Consistency matters more.
If medications cannot manage the pressure or if side effects develop, then the next level of treatment takes place.
Step 4: Laser Treatment Phase
Laser therapy can help many patients reduce intraocular pressure without surgery. The session is short. You sit at the machine. A specialised contact lens is gently touched to the eye. The laser acts on the drainage tissue to enhance flow.
It takes minutes. There is no blood. There are no stitches. The great majority of people go back to normal activities that day.
The pressure fall can become evident within a matter of days or weeks. Some patients may require a follow-up session. If pressure stays high, surgery is the next step.
Step 5: Getting Ready For Glaucoma Surgery
The type of surgery required is explained to you by the doctor. It could be trabeculectomy, it could be tube surgery or some cutting-edge minimally invasive therapy. Both work to regulate pressure safely and effectively over the long haul.
Many patients ask, ‘Is glaucoma surgery painful?’ The majority of operations are performed under local anaesthesia. You remain comfortable throughout. There will be a little irritation post-surgery, but you can handle it.
You might have to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. Have your medical history and current prescriptions with you. This assists the team in safely planning.
Step 6: Operation and Stay in the Recovery Room
The operation typically takes less than an hour. You head home the same day or the next morning. The eye is covered. Vision may be blurred for up to 4 days. Close follow-up is typical in the first few weeks.
Doctors monitor pressure closely. Eye drops help prevent infection and inflammation. Actions such as bending, lifting, or rubbing the affected eye should be avoided for around one to two weeks. It also depends on the eye’s recovery progress.
Step 7: Maintenance and Your New Life
Glaucoma requires lifelong care even after surgery. You will have periodic reviews. The doctor examines the drainage path. Scans track your optic nerve. Pressure readings guide medication adjustments.
Post-surgery life tends to be smooth. The majority of people return to work immediately. Reading and driving are normal again. The key is regular follow-up. The sooner the change is detected, the less likely it is to flare up in an emergency.
You may still need eye drops. Some patients remain drop-free. Each case differs. What remains constant is that you need to stay vigilant, go for check-ups and protect your vision.
FAQs
1. Can glaucoma be cured?
No. It is a solution that can be mitigated, not solved. Early treatment protects remaining vision.
2. How long does the effect of laser treatment last?
For some, months. For others, years. It all depends on what the eye does in response.
3. Is glaucoma surgery painful?
Most patients feel no pain during the procedure because local anaesthesia keeps the eye comfortable.
4 . Will I need surgery again?
Some patients may require additional procedures down the line. Lots of people have surgery once and are fine for years.
5. If I have surgery, how often should I be checked?
Regular attendance is necessary. More frequent early on (in the first month) and less as pressure reaches a steady level.
Preserve Your Vision with Appropriate Care
If you have symptoms of glaucoma, or if it runs in your family, it’s worth getting checked. At Vasan Eye Care, help is always close by. With more than 150 centres across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Puducherry, you won’t have to travel far. You’ll find clear testing, advanced imaging, and doctors who take the time to explain things. Just walk into your nearest Vasan Eye Care Hospital and get the clarity you need.