Glaucoma is a condition that results in slow progressive damage to the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve leads to a slow loss of vision. Peripheral or side vision is usually lost first, however glaucoma can result in total vision loss if untreated. Inside the eye, there is a constant production of fluid that normally flows out of the eye through a very small drain. This drain can become blocked for various reasons. The result is an increase in intraocular pressure. Early detection and treatment by the doctors at Eye Associates of Tallahassee are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma occurs when the drainage area becomes clogged. Pressure builds up when the fluid inside the eye is unable to drain. Open-Angle Glaucoma damages vision so gradually and painlessly that you are not aware of trouble until the optic nerve is already injured.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-Angle Glaucoma occurs when the drainage area of the eye suddenly becomes blocked. When eye pressure builds up suddenly, an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack occurs. This type of glaucoma is less common than open-angle and may cause blindness if it is not treated right away.
Questions & Answers
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
- The doctors at Eye Associates of Tallahassee consider many kinds of information to determine your risk for developing the disease. The most important risk factors include: age, family history of glaucoma, African ancestry and past eye injuries.
How is glaucoma detected?
- Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect glaucoma. A glaucoma screening that checks only the pressure of the eye is not sufficient to determine if you have glaucoma. During your glaucoma evaluation, the doctors at Eye Associates of Tallahassee will: measure your intraocular pressure, inspect the drainage angle of your eye, evaluate whether or not there is any optic nerve damage and test the peripheral vision of each eye.
How is glaucoma treated?
- As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, laser surgery and surgery in the operating room are methods used to help prevent further damage.
The surgeons at Eye Associates of Tallahassee are well trained in Trabeculectomy, Baerveldt tube shunt, Bleb Revision, Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) and Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (PI).
For more information on these glaucoma procedures, please link to these websites:
