Glaucoma Treatment
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Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected and managed early. At Medical Optometry America (MOA), our expert glaucoma optometrists use the latest technology and methods to provide the best care and prevention strategies for our patients. Whether you’re at risk or already diagnosed, our comprehensive services are designed to protect your vision and improve your quality of life.
Who’s At Risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that develops when the optic nerve sustains gradual, cumulative damage. Early intervention is key to preventing permanent vision loss from this disease.
Some patients have a higher chance of developing glaucoma, including people:
- With a family history of glaucoma
- Who are over the age of 40
- Who have myopic or hyperopic eyes
- Have thin corneas
- Have diabetes
- Have high or low blood pressure
- Experience migraines
Medical Optometry America can help prevent permanent vision loss through early detection and management of glaucoma. By scheduling regular eye examsscheduling regular eye exams with your nearest Medical Optometry America practice, you can help protect your vision and ocular health for years to come.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called “the silent thief of sight” because the way it can develop slowly without symptoms. By the time patients realize their vision is changing, they have often already lost a significant portion of their eyesight. As such, it is vital to have your eyes examined by an Medical Optometry America doctor frequently.
Unlike many other types of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma usually produces noticeable and severe symptoms, which may include:
- Headaches
- Severe eye pain
- Excessive tears
- Glare or halos around lights
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Main Types of Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma
There is a chamber between your iris and your lens called the anterior chamber. Through this chamber flows a fluid called the aqueous humor. If the aqueous humor does not drain properly from the anterior chamber, your intraocular pressure rises, which can eventually damage your optic nerve.
In open-angle glaucoma, there is enough space between the iris and the lens to allow drainage, but the drainage ducts do not allow the aqueous humor to flow correctly.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
In angle-closure glaucoma, the eye’s drainage ducts function properly, but the space between the iris and the lens suddenly closes, filling with aqueous humor. This type of glaucoma typically occurs in hyperopic individuals since their eyes have a comparatively narrow space or “angle” between the iris and lens.
Angle-closure glaucoma can come on very quickly and is often accompanied by nausea, significant eye pain, excessive tears, and headache. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency.
If you experience these symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often associated with high intraocular pressure; however, that is not always the cause. Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when the drainage ducts work correctly and the space between the iris and the lens is wide enough to facilitate outflow, but the optic nerve still sustains damage. Medical scientists do not yet know why this happens.
How is Glaucoma Detected?
Medical Optometry America uses advanced diagnostic testing to detect glaucoma, often before you even notice vision loss.
Testing intraocular pressure is essential for assessing glaucoma risk, but it is only a small part of a comprehensive glaucoma eye exam. Other tests also play a vital role in the eventual diagnosis and management of this complex disease, such as:
- Ocular coherence tomography (OCT)
- Visual field testing
- Assessment of the optic nerve with stereo imaging
- Corneal thickness and hysteresis
Our glaucoma optometrists at Medical Optometry America have the latest technologies and expertise to provide comprehensive glaucoma care. Our approach can lead to early diagnosis and management, decreasing your risk of vision loss.
Want to Learn More About Glaucoma and How it is Detected? Read Our In-depth Blog!
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed? The Most Common Glaucoma Tests:
Glaucoma can cause significant damage to your eyes. You may not even show any symptoms until your vision is affected, so how do you diagnose this disease? A comprehensive eye exam can determine any problems you may have, and several tests may occur.
Glaucoma Treatments Available at Medical Optometry America
Pressure Lowering Eye Drops
Pressure-lowering eye drops are a standard first-line treatment for managing glaucoma. These medications work by either decreasing the production of aqueous humor or improving its outflow, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. Regularly using these drops can help maintain eye pressure at safe levels, preventing further damage to the optic nerve.
Recommendations From Our Glaucoma Doctors
To manage and monitor glaucoma effectively, Medical Optometry America also recommends:
- On-going monitoring of glaucoma risk factors: Regular check-ups are essential to track changes in your eye health and adjust treatments as needed.
- Regularly scheduled assessments and testing: Comprehensive exams, including intraocular pressure measurement and visual field tests, are crucial for early detection and management of glaucoma.
- Beware of family risk: Glaucoma can be hereditary, meaning that if you have a family history of the condition, your risk of developing it increases significantly. Managing this risk through regular eye exams and early intervention is crucial to protect your vision and maintain eye health.
By integrating advanced treatments and continuous monitoring, Medical Optometry America ensures comprehensive care for glaucoma patients. Book your appointment today to discuss your options and protect your vision.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t wait until your vision problems become more severe. Schedule your glaucoma eye exam with Medical Optometry America today to stay on top of your eye health and protect your vision for the future. Our dedicated team is here to provide the best glaucoma treatment and ensure your ocular health is in excellent hands.
