Glaucoma Testing And Treatment
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Glaucoma Eye Exams
Glaucoma is a complex eye condition causing high intraocular pressure. It is a leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness in older individuals in the US and the second leading cause of blindness globally, surpassing macular degeneration.
Overview
Glaucoma isn’t just one type of eye disease. It’s an A class of diseases that affects the optic nerve and causes pressure on the eyes. Although sometimes it cannot be prevented, catching it early allows you to control and stop it from leading to serious loss of vision or blindness. However, if it is too late, you may not even realize it until it’s too late! It’s hence known as “the thief of sight” once you lose your sight and it is usually difficult to gain it again. Some may assist, but they depend on the type and cause.
Risk Factors
Preventing glaucoma requires early detection and treatment, as symptoms are often absent. Regular eye exams, including glaucoma screenings, are important, especially for those at risk of developing the disease. Anyone can develop glaucoma. However, certain risk factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
- Age > 60
- Hispanic or Latino descent
- Asian descent
- African Americans > 40
- Glaucoma (also known as diabetic glaucoma) is the most common cause of blindness among African Americans (6-8 times higher than in Caucasians).
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Severe nearsightedness
- Steroids (e.g., steroids)
- Major eye injury (including childhood eye injury)
Signs And Symptoms Of Glaucoma
Glaucoma, also known as the “silent thief of sight,” can progress without noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. It is crucial to be aware of these signs and seek regular eye check-ups.
- Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG) is the most common form, developing slowly and often without early warning signs.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG) can be acute or chronic, causing sudden blurred vision, severe eye pain, rainbow-colored rings, swollen eyes.
- Acute glaucoma is a medical emergency, while normal-tension glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve despite normal intraocular pressure.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG) is a condition where your eye pressure is normal, but your optic nerve is damaged or you're losing your vision. It's a condition that requires regular monitoring and treatment.
- Secondary glaucoma, caused by underlying conditions like eye injuries or medications, can increase eye pressure and potentially lead to vision loss if untreated.
- Congenital Glaucoma is a rare eye condition resulting from abnormal drainage structures, causing increased intraocular pressure, and prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent vision issues.
Testing
Identifying glaucoma as early as possible is crucial in preventing it from developing further. This condition can be diagnosed and monitored by eye-care professionals using some tests.
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Tonometry:
The first is for measuring intraocular pressure, one of the major indicators of glaucoma. The eye has elevated pressure, which could damage the optic nerve. Hence, it has to be checked. -
Ophthalmoscopy:
Ophthalmoscopy is when they look at your optic nerve to see if there's any damage there. Glaucoma usually shows up early, so the changes in your optic nerve can tell you if you have the disease -
Perimetry:
Perimetry is also known as visual field testing and assesses the full extent of a patient’s visual field. It pinpoints sight-impaired areas due to glaucoma. -
Timely follow-up:
Regular follow-up visits allow for detection of adverse conditions in good time, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of having complications. -
Gonioscopy:
A specialized test known as gonioscopy examines the angle where the iris and the cornea meet. It enables the establishment of the kind and degrees of glaucoma as well as the treatment approach that should be adopted. -
Pachymetry:
This test helps in the estimation of the corneal thickness. Accurate measurement of corneal thickness is important because this affects intraocular pressure readings that are necessary for diagnosis and management. -
Ocular Coherence Tomography:
Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) is a type of imaging that takes high-quality, cross-sectional pictures of your retina. It helps early detection and tracking of eye disease by looking at the retina's fiber layer and the optic nerve head, which is important for early treatment.
Treatment Options For Glaucoma
Glaucoma management is considered successful if it lowers intraocular pressure and stops any more harm to the optic nerve. The severity or type of glaucoma will determine the course of treatment.
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Medications:
Lowering of intraocular pressure is usually treated with eye drops and oral medications. There are several types of eye drops that enhance the excretion of fluids out of the eyes or lower their production. -
Laser Therapy:
Treatment of glaucoma is done through different laser processes. The trabeculoplasty improves the drainage system in the eye, while iridotomy produces a small hole in the iris. In this technique, cyclophotocoagulation, specific eye tissues are targeted with the aim of reducing fluid production -
Surgery:
When drugs and laser treatments don't work, surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage canal or implant a drainage device to lower the pressure inside the eye.
Managing Glaucoma
Glaucoma management involves:
- Regular eye check-ups.
- Medication adherence.
- Lifestyle changes like a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Exercising can increase blood flow to your optic nerve, which may help slow down the progression of your glaucoma. Early detection and treatment are essential for successful glaucoma treatment, as your vision cannot be restored once it has been lost. Prevention involves being aware of the risks associated with glaucoma and taking responsibility for routine eye exams. Regular eye exams are critical for individuals at higher risk, such as those with a family history or over 40.
Begin Your Path to Clearer Vision Now!
Vision Gallery is committed to providing the highest standard of care in diagnosing and treating glaucoma. If you have concerns about your eye health or suspect you may be at risk for glaucoma, schedule an appointment with us to ensure the best possible care for your vision. Your eyesight is a precious gift; let us help you preserve it.
Book an appointment, You can do so online or call us at (281) 393-4073 today!
Why Choose Us
We Provide Exceptional Patient Care
Choosing the right eye clinic is pivotal for your visual health. At Vision Gallery, we prioritize your well-being and clarity of vision.
Expertise & Experience
Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing top-tier eye care treatments and solutions.
Advanced Technology
Utilizing the latest advancements in ophthalmology to provide precise diagnostics and effective treatments.
Patient-Centered Approach
Our holistic eye care approach to eye care seeks to address your concerns, address your questions, and create a tailored treatment plan.
Heart of Katy Location
Located in Katy's heart, offers a blend of comfort, warmth, and top-notch service for easy accessibility.
