Glaucoma Management

Glaucoma, what is it?  The majority of the anterior segment of the eye is made up of aqueous fluid, a watery substance that continually exits the eye through a drainage region at the base of the iris.  New fluid is produced on a continual basis and this constant cycle maintains the perfect pressure balance which creates the natural shape of the eye.

The most common type of glaucoma is caused by an impairment of this natural drainage system, causing an increase in pressure. This gradual increase in intraocular pressure can result in a decrease in aquous outflow resulting in significant damage to your eye.

How do I know if I have Glaucoma?  Left untreated glaucoma can progress to complete blindness, but starts initially with a loss of peripheral vision.  Often times, there are no symptoms.  Glaucoma has become known as a silent disease, robbing patients of their sight.  Many times, permanent damage occurs before a patient begins to notice that something isn’t quite right.  The health of your eyes is reliant on routine eye exams.

Who’s at Risk for Glaucoma? The risk of Glaucoma certainly increases with age, but can really affect anyone. Some folks are at a slightly higher risk including: smokers, diabetics and those who suffer from anemia and hypertension. Some groups are genetically disposed to Glaucoma including African-Americans and folks of Hispanic descent.

Visual problems including Glaucoma and other issues are easily detected during routine eye exams. Maintaining healthy eyes is important and at Rocky Mountain Ophthalmology, we want you to be the healthiest you can with annual eye exams. Contact Rocky Mountain Ophthalmology today to schedule your next eye exam.

How is Glaucoma Detected? Through dilation and a painless routine procedure called Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT) a comprehensive analysis of your optic nerve is generated, delivering a simple form of Glaucoma detection. Early detection and quick action will lower the damage and provide time to work with your doctors to find an appropriate treatment plan.

Additionally, your doctor will perform tests for your peripheral vision, determine your intraocular pressure, and check your eyes for proper drainage and optic nerve damage.

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Treatment for Glaucoma

Although Glaucoma is incurable, your eye pressure and risk of nerve damage can be minimized through a variety of action steps.

Common treatments for glaucoma include:

Taken orally or topically, prescription medications can assist with fluid production and proper drainage.

Utilizing a quick outpatient procedure, you may be a candidate for laser therapy used to increase the drainage ability of your eye.

If laser treatment and prescription medications do not provide the necessary results, a surgical procedure can be performed to create an additional drainage hole at the rear of your eye.

One other method of relieving the intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma is through a procedure called LPI (laser peripheral iridotomy).  This procedure is performed using a YAG laser, and allows the openings to relieve the necessary pressure.  This is typically a late course of action, but a proven effective one.

Regular eye exams will make all the difference in the early detection of Glaucoma. To schedule your routine eye exam, call Rocky Mountain Ophthalmology today!

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