Did you know?
Eye exams help detect numerous systemic health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, cancer, stroke and etc.
845 Foothill Blvd La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
info@perceptionoptometry.com
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the US. It causes damage to the optic nerve of the eye which ultimately results in loss of vision. Glaucoma cannot be cured but there are many treatment options that prevent further damage to the optic nerve. In the most common form of glaucoma, the fluid pressure inside the eye is elevated which results in progressive loss of nerve fiber tissue.
Early diagnosis is key in management and treatment of glaucoma.
Because glaucoma frequently shows few or no symptoms, eye exams are the sole method for detection. Once identified, glaucoma can be effectively controlled and treated. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, consult your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment option for you.
What does glaucoma vision look like?
In normal vision, the scene is clear and expansive, showcasing a wide, unobstructed view of a cityscape along a river at sunset. As glaucoma progresses to the early stages, vision begins to narrow significantly, depicted by a darkening circle around the center, which focuses solely on a smaller portion of the same view. By the advanced stage, the visual field is drastically reduced, represented by a much smaller circular area of sight. In end-stage glaucoma, the field of vision becomes severely constricted, focusing on only a tiny fragment of the scene, dramatically limiting the person’s ability to see the world around them.
Patient Reviews
5/5
Previous
Next
What are the glaucoma symptoms?
In chronic open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, individuals experience a gradual loss of peripheral vision, possibly advancing to tunnel vision. Angle-closure glaucoma, however, can present acute symptoms such as severe eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, and halos around lights. Normal-tension glaucoma mirrors open-angle glaucoma with peripheral vision loss but without elevated eye pressure. In infants with congenital glaucoma, symptoms like cloudiness of the eye, excessive tearing, or light sensitivity may appear.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a long-term, worsening eye condition that results from damage to the optic nerve, causing loss of visual field. A key risk factor is eye pressure. When there’s a problem with the eye’s drainage system, fluid accumulates, creating high pressure that damages the optic nerve.
How is glaucoma treated
Various treatments for glaucoma are employed by doctors, such as medications (typically eye drops), laser procedures, and surgery. If diagnosed with glaucoma, it is crucial to begin treatment immediately. While treatment cannot reverse any existing vision damage, it can prevent further deterioration.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Glaucoma is typically diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, professionals specially trained in eye care. They conduct a comprehensive eye exam, including specific tests to detect glaucoma. In the U.S., a relatively small percentage of glaucoma prescriptions are written solely by optometrists. At the Wilmer Glaucoma Center, while we have several outstanding optometrist faculty members and employ a team approach, the treatment of glaucoma patients is primarily carried out by ophthalmologists.
The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams
At the age of
6-12 mths
at least once
Between
3-5 y.o.
at least once
5-18 y.o.
annualy
16-64 y.o.
every 2 years
unless at risk for certain eye diseases.
65+ y.o.
annualy