Eye Health Guide · ORINvue
Glaucoma
Hindi / common name: Glaucoma (kala motia)
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the cable that carries images from the eye to the brain. It is often linked to raised pressure inside the eye. The most common type develops slowly and painlessly, so many people do not notice it until significant side vision is lost. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, which is why early detection is so important.
Symptoms of glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma: usually no symptoms in early stages
- Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision, noticed late
- Frequent change of reading glasses in some people
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: sudden severe eye pain, red eye, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache, nausea or vomiting
- In babies (congenital glaucoma): large cloudy eyes, watering and sensitivity to light
Causes and risk factors
- Age over 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- High eye pressure
- High myopia or hyperopia
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
- Long-term steroid use, including self-medicated steroid eye drops
- Previous eye injury
How it is diagnosed
An ophthalmologist diagnoses glaucoma with several tests: measuring eye pressure (tonometry), examining the optic nerve, checking the drainage angle (gonioscopy), imaging the nerve fibre layer (OCT) and testing side vision (visual field test). Because early glaucoma is silent, people over 40 and those with risk factors should have regular eye examinations that include a pressure check and optic nerve examination.
Treatment options
- Prescription eye drops that lower eye pressure, used daily and long term
- Laser treatment, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty or laser iridotomy for angle closure
- Surgery when drops and laser are not enough
- Regular lifelong follow-up with an ophthalmologist
- Treatment aims to stop further damage; it cannot bring back vision already lost
Glasses and lens options
Glasses do not treat glaucoma, but people with glaucoma still need accurate glasses for clear vision. Anti-glare coatings and good lighting can help with comfort.
Prevention and everyday care
- Have a full eye examination with pressure check every one to two years after 40, or as advised
- Tell your doctor if glaucoma runs in your family
- Never use steroid eye drops without a prescription
- Use glaucoma drops exactly as prescribed and never stop them on your own
- Control diabetes and blood pressure
When to see an eye specialist the same day
- Sudden severe eye pain with red eye, blurred vision, halos and nausea: go to an eye hospital immediately
- Rapid loss of vision
- A baby with enlarged, cloudy or watering eyes
Glaucoma in Lucknow
Self-medication with steroid eye drops bought over the counter is a known risk in India. If you or an elder in your Lucknow family uses eye drops regularly, make sure an eye doctor prescribed them.
How ORINvue can help
Every eye test at ORINvue is done by our qualified optometrist, Khushboo Gangwar, a complete vision and eye-health check in 10–15 minutes. If you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or need pressure and nerve tests, she guides you to a trusted eye specialist for a full glaucoma check. ORINvue then makes accurate spectacles for clear, comfortable vision, from ₹999 all-inclusive.
Book Free Eye TestFrequently asked questions about Glaucoma
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma cannot be cured, and lost vision cannot be restored, but treatment with drops, laser or surgery can usually control it and protect remaining vision.
Does glaucoma cause pain?
The common open-angle type is painless. Acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden severe pain and needs same-day treatment at an eye hospital.
Is kala motia the same as motiyabind?
No. Kala motia is glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve. Motiyabind is cataract, a cloudy lens that is treated with surgery. They are different diseases.
Who should be tested for glaucoma?
Everyone over 40, and especially people with a family history, diabetes, high myopia or hyperopia, or long-term steroid use.
Can I stop my glaucoma drops if my vision feels fine?
No. Glaucoma drops work silently. Stopping them can let pressure rise and damage the nerve without symptoms. Always follow your doctor's advice.
Explore more: Eye Health Guide (all conditions) · Optical & spectacles questions answered · ORINvue blog
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Every eye test is done by our qualified optometrist, Khushboo Gangwar, free with every spectacle package. Opening December 2026 in Kalyanpur, Vikas Nagar, Lucknow. Open daily 10 AM–10 PM.
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