Glaucoma
Glaucoma surgery reduces the pressure inside the eye, which helps stop more damage to the optic nerve
Glaucoma encompasses several eye conditions that can harm the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss or even blindness. It's a major cause of blindness, particularly in individuals over the age of 60.
Your eye doctor can perform glaucoma surgery without requiring you to stay overnight in the hospital. If you have glaucoma, reach out to The Kalt-Goldberg Eye Center to find out more about these treatments.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms. When signs do arise, the disease is typically already advanced.
Common symptoms may include:
- Eye pain or discomfort behind one or both eyes
- Persistent headaches
- Gradual loss of side vision
- Needing brighter light for everyday activities
- Blurred or hazy vision
Types of Glaucoma
There are three main forms of glaucoma:
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, where the eye's drainage system does not function properly, causing fluid buildup.
- Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: Occurs when the drainage channels become blocked, leading to increased eye pressure.
- Low-Tension Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve happens even without elevated eye pressure.
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma has no single cause, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it, such as:
- Severe nearsightedness
- Family history of glaucoma
- Age over 40
- Race (especially African Americans over 35)
- Health conditions like diabetes
- Obesity
- General poor health (inactivity, poor diet)
Positive lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of glaucoma, although some factors may be beyond control.
How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed
Eye doctors use various tests to detect glaucoma, including:
- Dilated Eye Exam: Drops widen the pupil for a better view inside the eye.
- Eye Pressure Measurement: Checks for elevated intraocular pressure.
- Angle Assessment: Examines whether the angle between the iris and cornea is open or blocked.
- Visual Field Testing: Evaluates peripheral and central vision.
- Corneal Thickness Measurement: Pachymetry test to assess corneal thickness.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Glaucoma-related damage is irreversible, making early treatment critical. Typical treatments include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: To lower intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve.
- Laser Therapy (Trabeculoplasty): Clears blocked drainage channels.
- Trabeculectomy: A surgical procedure that creates a new drainage pathway in the white part of the eye.
- Drainage Implants: Small tubes inserted to help drain fluid and reduce pressure.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Newer techniques that improve fluid drainage with less risk and quicker recovery.
Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Contact your ophthalmologist at Ophthalmic Specialists of Michigan today to schedule a glaucoma evaluation.
