1704 Virginia Ave.

College Park, GA 30337

(404) 768-3500

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma Treatment in College Park

Glaucoma is a serious condition of the eye often caused by increased eye pressure. As intraocular pressure increases, damage can be caused to the optic nerve, which can result in permanent vision loss.

There are two types of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, which is the more common type, and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is when the drainage canal in the eye drains the fluid inadequately or when the fluid that fills the eye is overproduced by the body. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage canal becomes completely blocked, causing a rapid increase in pressure.

Glaucoma Treatment in College Park

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type of glaucoma you have. With open-angle glaucoma, there are no early symptoms. As the disease progresses, you can begin to lose your peripheral or side vision in both eyes. In the later stages, tunnel vision can occur. If the condition goes untreated, permanent vision loss can occur.

In angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms often come on suddenly. They include:

  • Severe headaches
  • Severe eye pain
  • Blurry vision
  • Halos around lights
  • Nausea and vomiting

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors can increase your risk of developing this disease.

  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Being over 60-years-old
  • Race (African-American, Hispanic, or Asian)
  • Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
  • Medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sickle cell anemia)
  • Having a cornea with a thin center
  • Previous eye injury

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma can be diagnosed during an annual eye exam. During an exam, your optometrist measures the pressure in your eye and during the dilated portion of the exam, will check for damage to the optic nerve. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your optometrist will order a visual field exam to check for peripheral vision loss. Photos of the optic nerve will also be taken to track the progression of the disease.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma. There are, however, treatment methods available to slow the progression of the disease.

  • Eye drops: The most common treatment for glaucoma is eye drops that are designed to reduce the pressure in your eye. This will prevent damage to the optic nerve.
  • Laser therapy: This procedure involves a small laser that opens the clogged channel in your eye.
  • Filtering surgery: During this procedure, your eye doctor carves hole in the white of your eye so the fluid can drain adequately.
  • Laser peripheral iridotomy: This procedure is used to treat angle-closure glaucoma. The doctor creates a small opening in your iris to allow the fluid to drain.

Save Your Eyesight from Glaucoma

Since glaucoma often shows no early symptoms, it is essential that you schedule annual appointments with an eye doctor. The Eye Doctor Unlimited in College Park has ample experience both detecting and treating glaucoma, along with many other diseases. Give us a call today at (404) 768-3500