Let Us Safeguard Your Vision
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can irreversibly damage vision. It is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60 and can often progress without any noticeable symptoms. In fact, of the nearly 3 million Americans who have glaucoma, it’s estimated that only 50 percent are aware they have the condition. This puts 1.5 million Americans at risk of permanent glaucoma vision loss.
Most cases of glaucoma are caused by a buildup of fluid in the front of the eye that increases ocular pressure to dangerous levels (ocular hypertension). The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve — which is essential for transmitting the images we see to the brain for visual recognition — and result in permanent blindness.
Our glaucoma patients receive the best of care at the hands of our eye care specialists and friendly support staff. If you or a loved one is suffering with glaucoma, we’d like to help.
Types of Glaucoma
The term “glaucoma” actually refers to a series of eye related conditions, notably open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common variant, accounting for more than 90 percent of all cases. Initially it only affects peripheral vision, and its effects are gradual, making it difficult to diagnose without comprehensive testing. By the time most patients notice the associated vision changes, permanent damage has already occurred.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a dangerous, sudden-onset form of the disease characterized by sharp eye pain, headaches, vision loss and nausea. Intermittent acute attacks tend to cause increased vision loss. Immediate medical attention is required.
There are other, less common types of glaucoma including normal-tension glaucoma, congenital glaucoma and secondary glaucoma. Through comprehensive eye testing that measures peripheral vision, the pressure in your eye, optic nerve health, the thickness of your cornea and fluid drainage, our glaucoma specialists can identify your specific type and develop a custom treatment plan designed to save your vision.
Glaucoma Treatment And Prevention
Your initial glaucoma treatment plan will include medication and eye drops designed to lower intraocular pressure and stem optical nerve damage. Depending on your specific type of glaucoma and its severity, surgery may also be required.
The surgeon utilises the most advanced laser technologies and surgical procedures designed to treat any variation of glaucoma and help save your vision.
The best form of treatment for glaucoma is prevention. If you are over the age of 40 and have any additional glaucoma risk factors, it’s imperative that you get regular eye exams to protect yourself against the silent threat of glaucoma.
Who Is at Risk?
If you are over the age of 40, you are at greater risk of vision deterioration, and therefore more susceptible to glaucoma and other eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. But age is just one of a number of glaucoma risk factors. Others include:
- Genetics (family history of glaucoma)
- Race (African Americans, Hispanics and Asians have higher rates of glaucoma)
- Thin corneas
- Farsighted or nearsighted vision
- High eye pressure
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure or other circulatory problems
- History of eye injury
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening
When it comes to the treatment and management of glaucoma, timing is everything. Don’t wait until a vision problem is too serious to be treatable. Contact us today to schedule your glaucoma screening.