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Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is an essential part of having good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye.Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60, but it can occur at any age. The most common form of glaucoma, known as open-angle glaucoma, often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
This is why glaucoma is sometimes referred to as the “silent thief of sight.” By the time a person notices changes in their vision, the condition has most likely progressed significantly.In a healthy eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor circulates inside the front portion of the eye. To maintain a constant healthy eye pressure, the eye continually produces a small amount of aqueous humor while an equal amount of this fluid flows out of the eye.
In glaucoma, the fluid drainage system doesn’t work properly, leading to a build-up of pressure within the eye. Over time, this increased pressure can damage the optic nerve fibers, leading to blind spots in the visual field.
If left untreated, glaucoma can cause total permanent blindness within a few years. While damage from glaucoma can’t be reversed, early detection and treatment can help slow or prevent vision loss.
This is why regular eye exams are crucial, especially for those at higher risk of developing the condition.
In most cases, eye doctors can diagnose glaucoma during a comprehensive eye examination and a few additional tests. These tests can detect glaucoma often before symptoms appear.
One of the main tests is tonometry, which measures intraocular pressure. While elevated eye pressure is a significant risk factor for glaucoma, not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and some people with normal pressure can develop the condition, too.
This is why additional tests are necessary for a diagnosis. Visual field testing is another important test. This test checks for areas of vision loss, which can show areas of glaucoma damage.
Your eye doctor will also examine the shape and color of the optic nerve. The optic nerve may have an unusual shape in glaucoma.
Sometimes, eye doctors may take photographs of the optic nerve for future comparisons. These tests, plus others, are often used in combination to help eye doctors detect glaucoma early and monitor its progression over time.
Regular eye exams are crucial because early detection and treatment of glaucoma can help prevent vision loss.
While anyone can develop glaucoma, there are certain factors that can increase your risk, such as:
Age is a significant risk factor. The risk of glaucoma increases substantially after age 60.
Family history also plays a crucial role. If you have a parent or sibling with glaucoma, you’re at a higher risk of developing the condition.
This is why it’s very important to know your family’s eye health history before visiting your eye doctor for an eye exam.
Race and ethnicity are also factors. African Americans are significantly more likely to develop glaucoma.
People of Asian descent are at higher risk for angle-closure glaucoma, a less common form of the condition.
Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops, can increase eye pressure and the risk of glaucoma. If you’re using these medications, it’s important to have regular eye check-ups.
Having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop glaucoma. However, it does mean you should be sure to schedule regular eye exams, as they are the best way to detect glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.
The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. While any existing damage can’t be reversed, treatment can slow or stop the progression of glaucoma.
At Community Eye Care Specialists, our eye doctors offer a range of treatment options, including the latest technology, to manage glaucoma effectively. Treatment typically begins with prescription eye drops.
These medications work by either reducing the production of fluid in the eye or increasing its outflow. It’s essential to use these medications exactly as directed, even if you don’t notice any symptoms, as they help maintain a healthy eye pressure.
If medications alone aren’t sufficient to control eye pressure, your eye doctor may recommend more advanced treatments.
Laser treatments are often the next step when medications aren’t enough. These procedures are typically performed in an office setting and are generally quick and painless.
Laser Trabeculoplasty is a common treatment for open-angle glaucoma. In this procedure, a laser is used to treat the drainage angle of the eye, improving fluid outflow and lowering eye pressure.
For angle-closure glaucoma, a laser procedure called Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) may be recommended. This creates a tiny hole in the iris to improve fluid flow between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye.
Laser treatments are generally safe and effective. They can significantly reduce eye pressure and, in some cases, may reduce the need for eye drops.
When laser treatments and medications aren’t sufficient to control eye pressure, or in cases of advanced glaucoma, surgical intervention may be necessary. At Community Eye Care Specialists, we offer several advanced surgical options.
Trabeculectomy is a traditional and highly effective glaucoma surgery. In this procedure, the glaucoma surgeon creates a new drainage channel to allow fluid to flow out of the eye, bypassing the clogged drainage system.
This forms a small area under the upper eyelid where the fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Our eye doctors also offer Ahmed valve implantation. This device consists of a small tube that’s inserted into the eye to drain excess fluid. The fluid then flows to a small reservoir implanted in the eye. From there, the fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream.
In recent years, several minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) have been developed, offering new options for many patients.
One option is the Hydrus Microstent. This tiny device, about the size of an eyelash, is inserted into the eye’s natural drainage system to improve outflow.
It’s often combined with cataract surgery and can effectively lower eye pressure with a lower risk profile compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Goniotomy is another minimally invasive option. In this procedure, your glaucoma surgeon makes a small incision in the eye’s drainage system to improve outflow. This can be done using special instruments or lasers and is particularly useful for certain types of glaucoma.
Canaloplasty is a newer surgical technique that uses microcatheter technology to enlarge the eye’s natural drainage system, improving outflow.
At Community Eye Care Specialists, our experienced team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
