Glaucoma Information and Treatment Options – Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, or if you are experiencing its symptoms, you need treatment by an experienced ophthalmologist. Northwest Eye provides outstanding glaucoma treatment for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and surrounding areas. (We also treat many patients who travel to our Minnesota practices from various locations around the globe.) Our team is dedicated to helping patients make fully informed choices regarding their ocular health.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that occurs when the eye does not drain fluids properly, causing a buildup of pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure [IOP], also known as ocular hypertension). An increase in IOP can damage the eye's optic nerve, eventually causing vision loss. (It is also possible for a patient with normal-range IOP to experience vision loss from glaucoma, and for people with high IOP to never develop optic nerve damage.)
Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma: open-angle, angle-closure, low tension, and childhood glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma - The most common type of glaucoma; occurs when ocular fluid cannot pass through the eye's filtration system (trabecular meshwork) to the drainage canals.
Angle-closure glaucoma - Occurs when the drainage canals are blocked; can progress chronically or acutely.
Low tension glaucoma - Occurs when a patient with normal-range IOP experiences optic nerve damage.
Childhood glaucoma - Begins in infancy, childhood, or adolescence; includes congenital glaucoma.
Glaucoma Symptoms and Risk Factors
You may be at risk for glaucoma if you have elevated intraocular pressure, a family history of glaucoma, optic nerve appearance, are over age 40, or are of certain ethnic backgrounds. In general, the symptoms of glaucoma include vision loss, small blind spots, "tunnel vision", blurred vision, severe eye pain, headache, halos or rainbows around light, and nausea and vomiting. Depending on the type of glaucoma a patient has, it may be asymptomatic, symptoms may appear suddenly, or they may appear over many years.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of glaucoma, or if you have a family history of the disease, contact Northwest Eye immediately to schedule a glaucoma consultation. We provide treatment for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minnetonka, Elk River, Minneapolis, and surrounding areas.
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma treatment depends on the type and severity of a patient's glaucoma. After conducting a thorough glaucoma examination, in which we will evaluate your vision and risk factors for the disease, we will discuss your treatment options: medication and surgery.
Glaucoma Medication
Glaucoma medication may be taken orally or topically (eye drops or wafer-like strips of medication). Medications either reduce the amount of fluids the eye produces or improve the eye's drainage.
Glaucoma Surgery
Northwest Eye provides outstanding surgical treatment for glaucoma. If you choose glaucoma surgery, our team will remain dedicated to helping you become fully informed of your options and to supporting you throughout the treatment process. Surgical glaucoma treatment options include:
Trabeculoplasty - a laser procedure that improves drainage by treating the trabecular meshwork.
Iridotomy - a laser procedure that improves drainage by creating of a small hole in the iris - the colored part of the eye - through which fluid may drain.
Cyclophotocoagulation - a laser procedure that decreases fluid production by treating the part of the eye that produces fluid.
Filtering surgery - an outpatient procedure that improves drainage by removing a tiny amount of eye tissue, and sometimes placing a drainage tube.
Contact Northwest Eye
Contact Northwest Eye if you are looking into your glaucoma treatment options. We serve patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minnetonka, Elk River, Minneapolis and surrounding areas, providing complete patient information and outstanding treatment.