Learn about Glaucoma Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Glaucoma and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. An ophthalmologist manages this condition through a comprehensive approach aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further vision loss. Treatment is not a single procedure but a spectrum of interventions. This begins with prescription eye drops (prostaglandins, beta-blockers) or oral medications. When medication is insufficient, laser therapies like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) or Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) are performed to improve fluid drainage. For advanced cases, surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) are considered to create a new drainage pathway. Regular monitoring through visual field tests and optic nerve imaging is crucial for lifelong management.

Key Highlights

    Prevents progression of vision loss and blindness by lowering intraocular pressure.Offers a range of treatment options from non-invasive eye drops to advanced laser and surgical techniques.Minimally invasive surgical options (MIGS) often allow for faster recovery with fewer complications.Laser treatments like SLT can be effective and may reduce or eliminate the need for daily eye drops.Personalized treatment plan developed by a specialist based on the type and severity of glaucoma.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, or secondary glaucoma.
  • Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that is not adequately controlled with prescription eye drops or oral medications.
  • Progression of optic nerve damage or visual field loss despite medical therapy.
  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma attack, which is a medical emergency.
  • Patient intolerance or poor adherence to prescribed glaucoma medications.
  • As a preventive measure in certain high-risk eyes (e.g., narrow angles).

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity, tonometry (pressure check), gonioscopy, and optic nerve imaging.
  • Discussion of all current medications, especially blood thinners, with the ophthalmologist; some may need to be paused.
  • For surgical procedures, pre-operative tests may include blood work and an EKG.
  • Arrange for transportation to and from the clinic or hospital, as vision may be blurry post-procedure.
  • For laser or surgery, avoid eating or drinking for a few hours beforehand if sedation is planned.
  • Use prescribed antibiotic eye drops before surgery as directed to minimize infection risk.

Risks & possible complications

  • Common: Temporary blurred vision, mild discomfort, redness, or irritation in the eye.
  • Infection or inflammation inside the eye (endophthalmitis or uveitis).
  • Bleeding in the eye (hyphema).
  • Over-correction or under-correction of eye pressure, requiring further treatment.
  • Cataract formation or acceleration, especially after certain surgeries.
  • Vision loss (rare but serious).
  • For surgeries: Hypotony (very low eye pressure), choroidal detachment, or failure of the drainage bleb.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Use all prescribed post-operative eye drops (antibiotics, steroids, etc.) exactly as directed to prevent infection and control inflammation.
  • Protect the eye with a shield, especially while sleeping, for the period recommended by your doctor.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending over, and swimming for several weeks.
  • Do not rub the eye. Wear protective eyewear during the day as needed.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for pressure checks and wound assessment.
  • Report any severe pain, sudden vision decrease, or increased redness immediately to your ophthalmologist.
  • Vision may fluctuate and take several weeks to stabilize fully.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering glaucoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for glaucoma compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 55 – USD 2,758 0-1 days ~ 1-6 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 410 – USD 20,489 0-1 days ~ 1-6 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Glaucoma in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing glaucoma.

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89+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Navya Roy, a 58-year-old retired school...

Navya Roy, a 58-year-old retired school librarian, had always cherished her ability to lose herself in books. Over the past year, she noticed her peripheral vision becoming blurry, like a dark curtain slowly being drawn at the edges of her sight. Reading became a strain, and she started bumping into furniture. Her optometrist referred her to an ophthalmologist, who diagnosed her with primary open-angle glaucoma after finding elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. The doctor recommended selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to help improve fluid drainage from her eyes and prevent further vision loss. Navya was anxious but determined. The in-office procedure was quick, with only mild pressure and flashing lights. Recovery involved using anti-inflammatory eye drops for a week. At her follow-up, her eye pressure had significantly decreased. Navya felt a profound relief, her fear of blindness replaced by cautious optimism. She could return to her books, now vigilant about her check-ups but no longer haunted by the creeping darkness.

Ophthalmologists for Glaucoma

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform glaucoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Raviraj Shravan Gaydhankar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated