The goal in preventing and treating the risk of glaucoma, or the presence of glaucoma, is to lower the pressure in the eye which we refer to as the intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is defined as damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is not defined as elevated eye pressure. In most patients, the cause of the nerve damage (glaucoma) is
Glaucoma is the leading cause of permanent blindness worldwide. It is known as “The Silent Thief of Sight” because it often progresses slowly without the patient becoming aware of their sight loss until late in the disease. The best way to determine if you have glaucoma, or if you are at risk for glaucoma, is to visit your eye care
The use of lasers in the management of glaucoma has become more frequent than ever. In past years, the use of lasers for lowering had been reserved for late in the course of the disease. Over the past 5 years, however, the development of a new laser treatment known as “Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty” or SLT has allowed the lasers to
The most common type of glaucoma among Americans is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). This type of glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage channels become clogged. The eye normally produces a clear, water like fluid, called “aqueous humor.” The aqueous humor, nourishes the eye, and gives it support. This fluid is produced by a faucet-like structure named the “ciliary body.”
Glaucoma is considered a “treatable” but not “curable” disease. There are two main classes of glaucoma, 1) The open angle glaucomas, and 2) The narrow or closed angle glaucomas. There are many subsets of glaucoma within these two classes and we will over time explore these subsets. Treatment for the open angle glaucomas also known as Primary Open Angle Glaucoma