Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment
While many people think of glaucoma as just increased pressure inside the eye, it is actually a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve because of that pressure and can lead to vision loss.
VIDEO DESCRIPTION: An uneven flow of the aqueous humor results in glaucoma, which can damage the nerves that comprise the optic nerve.
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed and Treated?
At the Reingold Eye Center we will check for the presence of glaucoma during a comprehensive eye exam. Unlike the simple puff test that is performed in other places, our examination is far more accurate and includes your medical history.
Optic Nerve of a Normal Eye
Optic Nerve affected by Glaucoma
Visual Field of a Normal Eye
Visual Field with Glaucoma
After discussing it fully with you, we can usually offer many options for treating your glaucoma. Treatment usually begins with prescription eye drops that are specifically formulated to reduce the pressure on the optic nerve. Sometimes more than one type of eye drop may be needed, and we can even use specialized lasers to treat the condition.
VIDEO DESCRIPTION: First video.
Laser treatment for glaucoma has a very good rate of success for many patients and can be performed more than once, sometimes up to twice each year.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Since pain is a symptom for only one, fairly rare type of glaucoma, it is rarely felt. Depending on the type of glaucoma you may have, excessive tearing, loss of vision or blind spots, and sensitivity to light or glare may be present. Patients will sometimes notice a loss of peripheral vision, often in patches, darkened areas, or reduced contrast sensitivity. The only way to be certain is to have your eyes examined.
VIDEO DESCRIPTION: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can cause blind spots to develop that your ophthalmologist can sometimes determine before you even notice them.
How Does Glaucoma Progress?
The disease may begin with blind spots at the edges of your vision, which you may not even notice, or with headaches, eye pain, or the symptoms listed above. If left untreated, this can lead to tunnel vision and worsen to total blindness in the affected eye.
VIDEO DESCRIPTION: Glaucoma can gradually worsen and lead to blindness if not treated by an ophthalmologist.
If you suspect glaucoma or it's been awhile since you were checked for it, please contact us today to arrange an examination.
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