Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is commonly described as a build-up of pressure in the eye. Although there is no cure, glaucoma can be effectively managed through treatment if it is caught early during routine eye exams.
Glaucoma / Normal Vision
(Drag the slider to see the difference.)
Key benefits of screening for glaucoma?
- Early detection reduces the chance of vision loss
- This procedure is likely to reduce your need for eye drops
- Reduces the chances of progression of glaucoma and loss of vision associated with the disease
Glaucoma evaluation:
- Measuring eye pressure
- Inspecting eye’s drainage
- Examining optic nerve damage
- Testing peripheral (side) vision
- Taking an image or computer measurement of the optic nerve
- Measuring the thickness of the cornea
Risk factors for glaucoma:
- Aging
- Family history
- High eye pressure
- Race (African Americans, Hispanics and Asians are a higher risk)
- Long-terms steroid use
- Eye Injury
- Thin corneas
Types of Glaucoma:
Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when fluid drains too slowly through the eye, causing pressure to build up over time.
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma can be a medical emergency. Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage system is complete2y blocked, leading to a rapid rise in pressure. Symptoms include a headache after being in a dark room, blurred vision at night, colored haloes around light, severe eye pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma: As the name suggests, this type of glaucoma occurs despite normal eye pressure levels. Although the etiology is not completed understood studies suggests that Japanese descendants and people with vascular disorders are most at risk for developing this form of glaucoma.
Glaucoma Treatments offered at Precision Eye Care:
Laser Surgery
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) reduces the need to use eye drops to lower the eye pressure. SLT is an outpatient procedure, and patients can resume normal activities after treatment.
Laser Iridotomy is a laser procedure that entails creating a small hole in the iris, allowing fluid to drain and preventing pressure build up.
Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is typically done in combination with cataract surgery. During MIGS, a microscopic device is placed into the eye to lower and control intraocular pressure. Not all the patients with glaucoma are candidates for MIGS.
Prescribed Eye Drops
Taken regularly, as directed by your eye care provider, these eyedrops lower eye pressure. Some causes the eye to make less fluid, others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.
Get in Touch
For more information on our Cataract Corrective Surgery services, please fill out our contact form or call our office today and someone will help you schedule an appointment for a consultation.Â
