Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which sends images from the eye to our brain and allows us to see. Glaucoma affects at least two out of every 100 older Americans.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually because the fluid pressure inside the eye is too high. Loss of vision from glaucoma can often be prevented if your ophthalmologist discovers the disease before much damage occurs to the optic nerve.

Since there is no way to determine if glaucoma is under control based on how a person feels, doctor visits should be on a regular basis.

The most common treatments for glaucoma have been the use of medications (of eye drops or pills), laser therapy or surgery.

A relatively new treatment for glaucoma is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). SLT is a new technological advancement over other lasers that have been used in the treatment of glaucoma for more than two decades. SLT does not rely on medicines. Instead, it uses a “cold” laser system to target only specific cells. SLT improves the flow of fluid, which in turn, lowers your eye pressure. SLT therapy is reimbursed by Medicare and insurance providers, which minimizes your out-of-pocket expenses. In some cases, it may even allow you to decrease or discontinue your medications.

We have made a sizeable investment in cutting edge technology to diagnose and treat glaucoma in our clinic. This includes Visual Field testing, laser mapping of the optic nerve and the new Lumenis SLT platform.

Glaucoma is more prevalent and damaging in those patients who have a family history of the disease. It is also seen more commonly in patients with cataracts, patients over 60 years of age, diabetics, people whose eyes have met with previous trauma or surgery and in patients who are farsighted (can’t see to read). Some medications are also implicated including steroids, over-the-counter cold medications, prescriptions for bladder control (Detrol, Ditropan, etc.) and occasionally antihistamines.

Please make sure, even if you think your vision is excellent, that you are certain you do not have glaucoma. Most patients do not realize they have it until they begin to lose peripheral vision. We measure you to make sure that this is not the case and if your eye shows signs or even risk of glaucoma, our doctors are experts at outlining a treatment plan and follow up tailored to your situation.