Glaucoma affects millions of people and is known as the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. The disease is often caused by an excessive buildup of pressure inside the eye, ultimately damaging the optic nerve. It is extremely important that a glaucoma screening be integrated into your routine eye exams because the condition does not display overt symptoms until it has already significantly progressed. Glaucoma is frequently associated with high eye pressure, but also may occur with “normal” pressure as well. While glaucoma causes a gradual loss of vision, there are treatment options available at Bliss Eye Associates, including advanced laser surgery, which can reduce dependence on eye drops. Pressure control can reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. One of our doctors can meet with you for an initial consultation to evaluate your vision and create a customized treatment plan.
If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule your consultation, please contact us today.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
A number of risk factors associated with glaucoma make it more likely for individuals to develop the condition. These risk factors include:
- African-American or Asian heritage
- Age – people over 40
- Diabetes
- Family history of glaucoma
- Nearsightedness
- Eye injuries
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Steroid use (long-term)
Symptoms of Glaucoma
The lack of early symptoms once glaucoma begins to develop is one of the factors that make this condition so dangerous – you may not be aware that something is wrong until the disease has progressed. This makes it crucial to have regular glaucoma screenings, particularly if you have one or more of the risk factors listed above. Symptoms of glaucoma include:
- Gradual loss of vision – this can occur over a period of weeks, months, and years
- Vision loss typically begins in the peripheral areas, followed by central vision loss
- Blindness – without treatment, total and irreparable vision loss can result
Glaucoma Treatment Options
While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are a variety of treatment options available that can dramatically slow its progression and control the condition. Medicinal eye drops are often very effective to improve the effects of glaucoma. Our surgeons also offer a state-of-the-art procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). This is a virtually painless laser treatment that typically takes only about two minutes to complete, and it can reduce or even eliminate the need for ongoing glaucoma medication in some cases.
We provide the most up to date treatments in glaucoma. Glaucoma treatments we provide include:
Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy, iStent Inject, iStent, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Hydrus, Omni Viscodilation and Goniotomy, Ahmed Valve Implant, Baerveldt Implant, Trabeculectomy.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
For more information on glaucoma symptoms and treatment options, or if you would like to schedule your initial consultation and eye evaluation, please contact us today.