Glaucoma Information and Treatment

Glaucoma is the buildup of pressure in the eye that occurs when the eye does not drain fluids properly. This pressure can damage the eye's optic nerve, eventually causing vision loss.

There are several types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle 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. It can progress chronically or acutely.
• Low-tension glaucoma occurs when a patient with normal-range pressures experiences optic nerve damage.
• Childhood glaucoma begins in infancy, childhood, or adolescence and includes congenital glaucoma.

Glaucoma Symptoms and Risk Factors

It’s possible the have normal-range pressures but experience vision loss from glaucoma. And it’s possible to have high pressures but never develop optic nerve damage. Symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma—they may appear suddenly, over a period of time, or you might experience no symptoms (which is why it is important to have regular and thorough eye exams).

Symptoms of glaucoma may include:

• Vision loss
• Small blind spots
• “Tunnel vision”
• Blurred vision
• Severe eye pain
• Headaches
• Halos or rainbows around light
• Nausea and vomiting

You may be at risk for glaucoma if you:

• Have an elevated intraocular pressure
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Have optic nerve appearance
• Are over age 40
• Are of African or Asian descent

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of glaucoma, or if you have a family history of the disease, contact us immediately to schedule a consultation.

Glaucoma Treatment

Prevention is the best treatment. Routine eye exams that test the pressure of your eyes will catch glaucoma before it progresses. The sooner detected, the more we can do to help you maintain your vision. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

There is no cure for glaucoma yet. If diagnosed, your treatment depends on the type and severity of your glaucoma. Our ophthalmologists will thoroughly exam your eyes to evaluate your type of glaucoma and determine the best treatment.

Treatment may include:

Medication

Medicine can help reduce the fluids produced by the eye or improves the eye's drainage. It can be taken orally or topically (applied to the eyes in the form of eye drops).

Surgery

If medication isn’t enough, our board-certified ophthalmologists are highly trained surgeons who will help you understand your surgical options and support you throughout the process.

Surgical glaucoma treatment options may include:

• Trabeculoplasty (SLT) - 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 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 placing a drainage tube (if necessary).

Contact us if you are at risk for glaucoma and are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma. Our board-certified ophthalmologists will examine your eyes and determine the right treatment for your needs. If surgery is necessary, you’ll work with the same ophthalmologist you already know and trust.