Patna: Advanced glaucoma surgeries, newer treatment options and the need for early diagnosis were discussed at length on the second day of the 35th annual conference of the Glaucoma Society of India (GSI) here on Saturday. Experts from India and abroad shared their experiences in managing complex glaucoma cases.American Society executive vice-president Dr Alan Robin and South Florida-based Dr Ramesh Ayyala were among the international experts who addressed the scientific sessions. Dr Ayyala spoke on complex anterior segment surgeries in glaucoma patients with a history of previous surgeries and shared surgical videos and his experiences. Dr Robin delivered a lecture on pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.A key session focused on normal-tension glaucoma, in which patients develop glaucoma despite having normal eye pressure. Dr Gauri J Murthy, Dr Ronnie George, Dr Siddharth Dixit and Dr Alokesh Ganguly, among others, discussed treatment challenges and precautions in managing such patients.Experts also held a dedicated session on trabeculectomy, one of the established surgical procedures for glaucoma, besides discussing newer techniques such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The B Sridhar Rao Award session was also conducted, with free papers evaluated for selection of the best paper. Some new glaucoma medicines were launched during the conference.GSI secretary Dr Manish Shah stressed the importance of regular eye examinations, saying glaucoma often shows no symptoms in its early stages. “Patients often approach doctors only after significant vision loss, when the damage cannot be reversed. An eye examination once a year or at least once every two years can help detect glaucoma early and prevent further vision loss,” he said.Dr Vibhuti Prasann Sinha said the scientific sessions would continue for half a day on Sunday. Delegates also attended a cultural evening showcasing Bihar’s heritage and visited Patna Sahib and Bihar Museum.
