We offer the latest medical and surgical treatment for glaucoma.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that damage the optic nerve. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, especially in older adults, though it can occur at any age.
There are two main types: open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, where the eye’s drainage canals gradually become clogged, and angle-closure glaucoma, a more acute form where the iris block the drainage angle.
Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly and painlessly, with no early symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection. Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, can cause sudden symptoms like severe eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights, requiring immediate medical attention.
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, including medications, laser therapy, or surgery, the progression of the disease can often be slowed or stopped. Regular eye check-ups are key, especially for those at higher risk, such as people over 60, those with a family history, or individuals with certain medical conditions like diabetes.
Glaucoma Screening
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes several tests using specialty devices.
- Measuring eye pressure to detect elevated levels, a common sign of glaucoma.
- Examining the optic nerve for damage.
- Visual field testing to check for blind spots, which can signal the loss of peripheral vision associated with glaucoma.
- Gonioscopy to assess the angle where the iris meets the cornea, determining if the glaucoma is open-angle or angle-closure.
- OCT (optical coherence tomogrpahy) is device to monitor the shape of the optical nerve to detect progression.
Monitoring glaucoma involves regular eye exams to track any changes. Consistent monitoring is essential to manage the disease, adjust treatments, and prevent further vision loss.
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma treatment focuses on reducing eye pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The most common initial treatment is medications, primarily eye drops, which either decrease the production of fluid in the eye or improve its drainage.
In addition to medication or as an alternative to medication, laser therapy may be used. Trabeculoplasty is a laser procedure for open-angle glaucoma that enhances fluid drainage. Laser iridotomy is used for angle-closure glaucoma to create a small hole in the iris, allowing fluid to drain.
For more advanced cases, surgical options including trabeculectomy (creating a new drainage pathway) or glaucoma drainage implants (a small tube that drain fluid) may be necessary.
Microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) offer a safer, less invasive alternative with fewer complications, suitable for mild to moderate cases.
At Eye Associates, we offer the full spectrum of treatment for glaucoma. Our glaucoma specialists are well experienced in both medical and surgical treatments. Our specialists perform traditional glaucoma surgeries and also the latest microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). In addition, our research department offers the latest treatment options through FDA approved clinical trials.