Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. At Hashemi Eye Care, we offer comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment options to prevent vision loss and protect your long-term eye health.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma develops when fluid in the eye, called aqueous humor, doesn’t drain properly, causing a build-up of pressure. Over time, this increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from your eyes to your brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Types of Glaucoma:
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, often developing slowly and without noticeable symptoms.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Less common but more serious, this type occurs suddenly and can cause rapid vision loss.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this type, optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure.
Congenital Glaucoma: Present at birth, caused by improper development of the eye’s drainage system.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
In its early stages, glaucoma may not cause any symptoms, making regular eye exams critical for early detection. As the disease progresses, you may experience:
Loss of peripheral (side) vision
Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Eye pain (in cases of angle-closure glaucoma)
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Nausea or vomiting (in cases of angle-closure glaucoma)
To ensure early detection and proper treatment, it's crucial to address any symptoms right away. Learn more about what’s involved in a comprehensive eye exam and schedule your appointment today.
Glaucoma Diagnosis at Hashemi Eye Care
We use advanced diagnostic techniques to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, even before you notice symptoms. During a comprehensive eye exam, our doctors will measure your intraocular pressure (IOP), examine the optic nerve, and assess your peripheral vision. These tests help us determine the presence and severity of glaucoma.
Early detection is key to preventing irreversible damage. Learn more about our Comprehensive Eye Care Services.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed with the right treatment plan. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Treatment Options Include:
Prescription Eye Drops: The first line of defense against glaucoma. These medications help reduce eye pressure by improving drainage or reducing the amount of fluid the eye produces.
Beta Blockers: Medications like Timolol help lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production.
Prostaglandin Analogs: Medications like Latanoprost and Vyzulta increase fluid drainage to lower eye pressure.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Medications like Dorzolamide help reduce the production of intraocular fluid to lower pressure.
Surgery: If medications and laser treatments are not enough to control your glaucoma, surgery may be necessary. common surgical procedures, include:
Trabeculectomy: A surgery to create a new drainage path for eye fluid.
Glaucoma Drainage Implants: Devices inserted into the eye to improve fluid drainage.
Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient's specific type and severity of glaucoma. For more information on our surgical options, visit our Surgical Treatments Page.
Recovery and Ongoing Care
Glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment. After starting treatment, regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure your eye pressure remains under control and to adjust your treatment as necessary. Our doctors will work closely with you to manage your condition and preserve your vision.
Medications for Lowering Intraocular Pressure
To effectively manage glaucoma and reduce the risk of vision loss, controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) is essential. At Hashemi Eye Care, we prescribe a variety of medications that work to lower IOP and protect the optic nerve from further damage. Common medications include:
Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate medication based on your specific condition, helping to maintain healthy eye pressure and prevent the progression of glaucoma.
Glaucoma Prevention and Risk Factors
While you cannot completely prevent glaucoma, certain lifestyle choices can reduce your risk:
Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is crucial for managing glaucoma. Adults over the age of 40 should have regular comprehensive eye exams, especially if they have a family history of glaucoma.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing conditions like high blood pressure can help lower your risk.
Avoid Eye Injuries: Protect your eyes from injury by wearing safety glasses during sports or activities that could cause trauma.
For more preventive eye care tips, visit our Eye Health page.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening Today
If you are at risk for glaucoma or have noticed changes in your vision, don’t wait to schedule an eye exam. Early detection is the best way to preserve your sight. Contact us today through our Contact Page or call to book your appointment.
External Links
For more information on glaucoma, visit: