WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve- the part of the eye that carries images we see to the brain. When damage to the nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. But loss of sight from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR GLAUCOMA?
The most important risk factors include:
- Age
- Elevated eye pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- African or Spanish ancestry
- Farsightedness or nearsightedness
- Past eye injuries
- Thinner central corneal thickness
Systemic health problems, including diabetes, migraine headaches, and poor circulation
HOW IS GLAUCOMA DETECTED?
Regular eye examinations by your eye doctor are the best way to detect glaucoma. A glaucoma screening that checks only the pressure of the eye is not sufficient to determine if you have glaucoma. The only sure way to detect glaucoma is to have a complete dilated eye examination.
At Eye Care Oklahoma, we care for many patients with glaucoma. All patients receive comprehensive eye health evaluations including all basic tests for glaucoma. If we suspect glaucoma, special tests are performed including peripheral visual field testing, pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement), and optic nerve photography.
HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED?
We use state-of-the-art equipment to monitor glaucoma progression and prevent unnecessary vision loss. Treatment for glaucoma begins with eye drops that lower the pressure in the eye. This allows for less risk of optic nerve damage.
Remember, if you are taking glaucoma medication, you need to have regular visits to ensure the medication is working properly. If eye drops alone don’t control your glaucoma, there are surgery options. Our doctors perform glaucoma laser procedures including Peripheral Iridotomy with the YAG laser and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty.
If you are over 40 and have not had an eye examination in 2-3 years, we recommend you have a complete eye health evaluation.
Call our office to set up an appointment.
