Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that can cause pressure increases within your eye. The increased pressure damages the optic nerve and may cause vision loss. Glaucoma can be classified into two main types. Open-angle, which is more common and develops more slowly, and Closed-angle, which comes on suddenly and is painful. Without treatment, either type can cause vision problems and blindness.
In the early phases of glaucoma there are often no symptoms. By the time vision is affected, the damage is permanent. Progression of glaucoma can be slowed or halted with eye drops, laser treatments, or surgery.
People with a family history of glaucoma, past injury or surgery, the elderly, and African-Americans are at increased risk of the disease.
Primary glaucomas
Treatments: Medicines, laser treatment, surgery
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type in the United States. Many people don’t have any symptoms until they start to lose their vision, and people may not notice vision loss right away. Experts aren’t sure what causes open-angle glaucoma, but it may be caused by pressure, that pushes on the optic nerve leading to damage. Left untreated this can result in loss of vision.
Treatments: Medicines, laser treatment, surgery
Normal-tension glaucoma is a type of open-angle glaucoma that happens in people with normal eye pressure. Experts don’t know what causes normal-tension glaucoma, but research shows that treatments that lower eye pressure can help slow the disease and stop vision loss.
Secondary glaucomas
Sometimes glaucoma is caused by another medical condition — this is called secondary glaucoma.
Treatments: Medicines, laser treatment, surgery
Neovascular glaucoma happens when the eye makes extra blood vessels that cover the part of your eye where fluid would normally drain. It’s usually caused by another medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
If you have neovascular glaucoma, you may notice:
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Pain or redness in your eye
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Vision loss
Treatments: Medicines, laser treatment, surgery
Pigment dispersion syndrome happens when the pigment from your iris blocks the drainage angle. Young, near-sighted patients are more likely to have pigment dispersion syndrome. If you have this condition, you may have blurry vision or see rainbow-colored rings around lights, especially when you exercise.
Glaucoma Diagnostic Testing
- IOP measurements
- Optic Nerve Evaluation with serial photos and OCT
- Gonioscopy to evaluate drainage Angle
- Visual Field Testing to monitor Progression
- ERG- Diagnosis and to monitor Progression
Surgical Treatments
Indicated for patients that progress or cant tolerate the medication side effects or cost
- SLT
- PI
- Kakook Dual Blade
- Trabeculectomy
- Istent