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WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. However, it can occur at an earlier age, but most commonly appears in older adults. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affects the Optic Nerve that is vital for your field of vision. Damage is often due to increased pressures in your eye that typically do not have any warning signs. By the time Glaucoma is diagnosed, the effects are advanced and irreversible. Glaucoma can act quickly so it is important to schedule regular eye exams to monitor your pressures and/or change the specified treatment plan if needed. 

WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA?

 

Glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve, where the nerve gradually deteriorates. This begins to cause blind spots and loss of vision due to increased pressure in the eye. Elevated eye pressure is due to a fluid (aqueous humor) build up that flows in the inside of your eye. Generally, this fluid drains out through the tissue called trabecular meshwork, however, with Glaucoma, this fluid overproduces because it cannot exit correctly, therefore this results in increased eye pressures. 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLAUCOMA?

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Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type of glaucoma. In this condition, the drainage passage inside the eye is open but is not functioning correctly. Fluids build up inside the eye causing the pressure to rise. 

Symptoms Include:

  • Patchy blind spots in your peripheral or central vision. Typically affects both eyes.

  • Tunnel Vision; this occurs during the advanced stages

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Acute-Angle Closure Glaucoma: In this condition, the fluid (aqueous humor) inside your eye begins to rise quickly which increases your eye pressure dangerously.

  • Nausea/Vomiting

  • Severe Headache

  • Eye Pain

  • Blurred vision

  • Halos

  • Eye redness  

WHAT IS RECOMMENDED?

 

When you begin to feel any of the symptoms listed above, contact your eye doctor or glaucoma specialists office immediately to seek care. Glaucoma can also run in the family and is recommended for family members to be tested.

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HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED?

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  • Medical - drops

  • Laser - SLT or YAG cap

  • Istent Inject

  • Xen Gel Stent

  • MP3 Laser

  • Kahook

  • Glc Tube Surgery - Trab or Baerveldt

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