GLAUCOMA

More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are actually aware that this “silent thief” is slowly stealing away their vision, sometimes without any symptoms.

GLAUCOMA

More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are actually aware that this “silent thief” is slowly stealing away their vision, sometimes without any symptoms.

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What is glaucoma?

The eye has about one million tiny nerve fibers that carry visual information from the back of the eye to the brain. Glaucoma destroys these nerve fibers. It was once thought that the destruction of these fibers was due to high pressure within the eye, but we now know that even patients with normal eye pressure can have glaucoma and experience loss of this important nerve function.

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What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma often goes unnoticed in its early stages because it usually does not cause pain or immediate changes in vision. If you have glaucoma, you probably won’t notice any warning signs or symptoms until your vision has suffered irreversible damage.

This is why regular eye exams are so important for protecting your vision.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Because early detection is so important to limiting the vision loss associated with glaucoma, regular eye examinations are recommended. Elevated pressure within the eye and other indicators of glaucoma, such as optic nerve damage, can be detected only by a thorough examination. We offer advanced state-of-the-art computerized evaluation techniques to detect early signs of optic nerve damage and peripheral vision loss associated with glaucoma.

How is glaucoma treated?

Although there currently is no cure for glaucoma, there are several effective treatment options to slow or halt progression of this disease.

 

  • Medication, usually in the form of eye drops, can help to relieve pressure within the eye.
  • A trabeculectomy can be performed to alter the eye’s drainage system if they cannot be improved by treatment with medicated eye drops and/or laser therapy.
  • Laser surgery makes it possible to improve the underlying condition that contributes to elevation of pressure within the eye. Open-angle glaucoma can be treated with ALT (ArgonLaser Trabeculoplasty), and a peripheral iridotomy procedure can be performed to treat closed-angle glaucoma.
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Am I at risk for glaucoma?

Glaucoma typically affects people over the age of 40, but it can occur at any age. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, but some groups are at higher risk than others. People age 65 or older, family members of those already diagnosed with glaucoma, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, diabetics, and those who are nearsighted or who have suffered severe injury to the eye are all at elevated risk. Cataract formation is another risk factor. Again, early detection is the key to slowing or halting the progression of this disease. If you have any of these risk factors, a thorough eye examination to evaluate for glaucoma is recommended.

Can I prevent glaucoma?

No, but regular eye exams can make it possible to prevent much of the vision loss caused by glaucoma. Our doctors are among the area’s most experienced glaucoma specialists. We are dedicated to providing the most advanced techniques and equipment to help preserve the vision you need to live life on your terms.

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