Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms – so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed.

Sometimes symptoms do occur. They may include:

• Blurred vision
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Halo effects around lights
• Painful or reddened eyes

People at high risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.

To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field as well as the pressure in your eye. Regular eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.

Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.

Glaucoma Surgery

Some cases of glaucoma can be treated with medications. For others, laser surgery or traditional surgery is required to lower eye pressure. Common surgeries include:

• Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) – For patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. A small hole is made in the iris to increase the angle between the iris and cornea and encourage fluid drainage.
• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – SLT is an advanced treatment option for glaucoma patients that lowers eye pressure and increases fluid drainage. This procedure offers a simple solution to glaucoma symptoms through a minimally invasive procedure with no side effects, scarring or pain. SLT may be repeated.
• Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) – ECP is a new technique that reduces the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) produced in the eye and thus lowers pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). ECP may be performed at the same time as phacoemulsification (cataract) surgery for patients who suffer from both cataracts and glaucoma. Recent studies show that patients who undergo the combined ECP/phaco need fewer glaucoma medications over the long term.
• Tube Shunt Surgery – May be recommended for patients with neovascular glaucoma, failed trabeculectomy, or susceptibility to developing scar tissue. A thin, flexible tube (a shunt) with a silicone pouch is inserted in the eye to facilitate drainage.

Patient Education

Watch an educational video about Glaucoma.

If you have any further questions regarding Glaucoma, please call us today to schedule a consultation.