What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often (but not always) caused by increased pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). Over time, this damage can lead to irreversible vision loss, typically beginning with peripheral (side) vision. There are two main types of glaucoma:
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form of glaucoma, where the drainage angle in the eye becomes less efficient over time, causing a gradual increase in eye pressure and progressive damage to the optic nerve.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A much less common, but more severe form of glaucoma, where the drainage angle becomes blocked, leading to a rapid increase in eye pressure and more rapid vision loss if not treated urgently.
Why Glaucoma Is So Dangerous
The major risk of glaucoma is that it often develops with no symptoms, meaning you may have high intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage without experiencing any noticeable changes in vision or feelings of eye pressure. As a result, many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until the disease has caused significant, irreversible damage to their sight. This is why regular eye exams are crucial, even if you aren’t experiencing any noticeable problems with your vision or eyes.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Because glaucoma can develop silently, it’s essential to have regular eye exams, especially if you are at higher risk. Some risk factors for glaucoma include:
- A family history of glaucoma: If you have relatives who have been diagnosed with glaucoma, your risk of developing the disease increases, and you should be monitored closely.
- Age: People over the age of 60 are at higher risk.
- Ethnic background: African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations are at higher risk for certain types of glaucoma.
- High eye pressure or thin corneas: Having high intraocular pressure (IOP) or thinner corneas can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Even if you don’t notice any changes in your vision, regular eye exams with our optometrists will allow us to monitor for the signs of glaucoma and detect it before it causes permanent vision loss.
Advanced Technology for Glaucoma Screening and Diagnosis
At Armstrong Optometry, we utilize the latest in diagnostic technology to detect glaucoma early and accurately. Our high-tech equipment allows us to perform a thorough assessment of your eye health, including:
- Digital Retinal Photos: These high-resolution images capture detailed pictures of the retina and optic nerve, allowing our optometrists to monitor changes over time and detect any signs of damage from glaucoma.
- Pachymetry and intraocular pressure (IOP) readings: This test measures the thickness of your cornea, which can provide important insight into your glaucoma risk. Thinner corneas are associated with a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Higher intraocular pressures are also a risk factor for glaucoma.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retina. It allows us to measure and map out the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, which can show early signs of glaucoma before vision loss occurs. This technology is essential for early detection and monitoring the progression of the disease.
Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment
During your eye exam, our optometrists will use these tools to screen for glaucoma and assess the health of your optic nerve. If any signs of glaucoma are detected, we will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma:
- Prescription Eye Drops: The most common treatment for glaucoma, these medications lower intraocular pressure by either decreasing the production of fluid in the eye or improving the drainage of fluid.
- Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to further reduce eye pressure.
- Laser Treatments: Laser therapy can help improve drainage or reduce fluid production in the eye, helping to control intraocular pressure.
- Surgical Options: In advanced cases, surgery may be required to create a new drainage pathway for fluid or to reduce fluid production in the eye.
Our optometrists will work closely with you to determine the best treatment approach for your specific needs. In many cases, we will collaborate with an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma for more advanced care or surgical options. We provide co-management, ensuring that you receive comprehensive care and that all aspects of your treatment and ongoing monitoring are coordinated between our office and the ophthalmologist.