Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the cable that carries images from your eye to your brain — usually because the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) is too high. This happens when the eye’s fluid (aqueous humour) does not drain as it should. Left untreated, glaucoma causes gradual, permanent vision loss, starting with side vision and, in advanced stages, leading to blindness.
Why this matters in India: an estimated 12 million people in India have glaucoma, and it is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Most worrying, one large South Indian study found that around 98% of people with glaucoma did not know they had it — because early glaucoma has no symptoms. That is why screening, not symptoms, is what protects sight.
Early glaucoma has no symptoms — screening, not symptoms, is what protects your sight.
Vision already lost cannot be recovered, because optic-nerve damage is permanent.
With early detection and pressure-lowering treatment, further loss can be prevented.
Glaucoma is grouped by how the drainage system is affected. Knowing your type guides your treatment.
The most common type. The drainage angle works poorly and pressure rises slowly with no early symptoms. More likely with a family history.
The drainage angle becomes suddenly blocked, causing a rapid, painful rise in pressure — a medical emergency needing immediate care.
Present at birth when the eye’s drainage does not develop properly; needs early treatment to protect a child’s sight.
Caused by another problem such as eye injury, cataract, diabetes, or steroid medicines.
Secondary glaucoma can follow eye injury, cataract, diabetes or steroid medicines — a reason to keep regular eye checks if you have these risks.
Symptoms depend on the type — and the most common type has none early on.
Usually no early symptoms. There is a gradual loss of side vision (tunnel vision) that is often noticed only when the disease is already advanced — which is why routine screening matters so much.
Sudden severe eye pain, blurred or ‘steamy’ vision, rainbow halos around lights, a red eye, headache, nausea or vomiting. This is a medical emergency — seek care immediately.
Because open-angle glaucoma is silent, a routine eye-pressure and optic-nerve check after 40 — or earlier with a family history — is the only reliable way to catch it in time. If you notice sudden eye pain with halos and nausea, treat it as an emergency and call +91 81786 39701.
The goal of every glaucoma treatment is the same: lower eye pressure to protect the optic nerve and preserve your vision. We run the full ladder, matched to your type and severity.
| Approach | What it does | When it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| Eye drops | Lower pressure by improving drainage or reducing fluid | First-line for most open-angle glaucoma; often long-term |
| Laser (trabeculoplasty, iridotomy, cyclophotocoagulation) | Improves drainage or reduces fluid production | When drops aren’t enough, or for angle-closure (iridotomy) |
| MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) | Lowers pressure with small incisions and faster recovery | Often combined with cataract surgery; earlier surgical option |
| Trabeculectomy / drainage implants | Creates a new drainage channel to lower pressure | Advanced disease or when other treatments don’t control pressure |
Glaucoma treatment protects the vision you still have — it does not bring back vision already lost, because optic-nerve damage is permanent. That is exactly why acting early matters. Our surgeons often treat glaucoma and cataract together where appropriate, and tailor the approach to you.
*Individual results vary with the type and stage of glaucoma, eye pressure and overall eye health. Treatment aims to control pressure and protect vision, not to guarantee a specific outcome. Consult with our doctors for a plan built around your eyes.
Surgery is considered when pressure cannot be controlled by other means. Not sure where you stand? A detailed eye checkup with pressure, optic-nerve and visual-field testing gives you a clear answer.
Consult With Our DoctorsEye pressure stays high despite drops or laser
Eye drops cause side effects you cannot tolerate
Your vision is at continued risk, or the glaucoma is advancing
You have narrow-angle glaucoma, or need long-term pressure control
You are having cataract surgery and MIGS can be combined
Glaucoma treatment cost depends on whether you need drops, laser or surgery. Indicative starting-from ranges (per eye, subject to consultation):
| Procedure | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Laser glaucoma surgery | ₹35,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Trabeculectomy (filtering surgery) | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Drainage implant | ₹40,000 – ₹50,000 |
See the full breakdown on our glaucoma treatment cost in Gurgaon page. We offer cashless insurance, Easy EMI and government schemes (CGHS, ECHS, Ayushman Bharat, Haryana Government).
Pricing disclaimer: indicative starting-from ranges, subject to consultation and examination; insurance/scheme coverage varies by policy.
Dr. Sanjeev Bisla (MIGS & laser, Aravind glaucoma fellowship) and Dr. Digvijay Singh (AIIMS-trained glaucoma specialist & researcher, 70+ publications).
Drops, laser, MIGS and filtering surgery, in a NABH-accredited facility with three modular operation theatres.
Glaucoma is a long-term condition, and we monitor pressure, optic nerve and fields over time.
Cashless insurance, Easy EMI and government schemes to keep care within reach.
Glaucoma care at Dayal Eye Centre is led by two senior specialists, with full diagnostics and surgery under one NABH-accredited roof.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjeev Bisla, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), Director — and Dr. Digvijay Singh, MD (AIIMS), Glaucoma Specialist — Dayal Eye Centre · Last reviewed: 29 July 2026 · Editorial Policy