Glaucoma Treatment & Management at Pure Eye Vision

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by increased pressure in the eye. It’s a leading cause of blindness if left untreated, as it can slowly steal your sight without warning signs. At Pure Eye Vision, we specialize in the early detection, treatment, and management of glaucoma to preserve your vision and prevent further damage. Our expert team uses the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to provide personalized care tailored to your needs.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) rises to a level that damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for sending visual information from the retina to the brain, and damage to this nerve can result in vision loss. There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma. The most common form is open-angle glaucoma, which develops gradually without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

• Gradual Vision Loss: The most common symptom of glaucoma is gradual vision loss, especially in the peripheral (side) vision.
• Eye Pain: In some cases, increased intraocular pressure may cause eye pain or discomfort, particularly in angle-closure glaucoma.
• Blurred Vision: Glaucoma can cause blurred vision, especially when looking at objects in low light or at night.
• Seeing Halos Around Lights: Patients with high intraocular pressure may notice colored halos around lights.
• Nausea and Vomiting: In acute angle-closure glaucoma, high pressure can cause nausea, vomiting, and even headache.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

• Medications: Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment for lowering intraocular pressure. They can help reduce the production of fluid in the eye or improve drainage, preventing further damage to the optic nerve.
• Laser Treatment: Laser therapy can help reduce intraocular pressure by improving the drainage of fluid from the eye. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is commonly used for open-angle glaucoma, while laser iridotomy is often used for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Surgical Intervention: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage channel for fluid, reducing pressure in the eye. Trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgery are options when medications and laser treatments are not effective.
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): MIGS procedures offer a less invasive approach to glaucoma surgery, with quicker recovery times and reduced risk of complications.

Managing Glaucoma Long-Term

Glaucoma requires lifelong management to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor intraocular pressure and detect any changes in the condition. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, which may include a combination of medication, laser therapy, and lifestyle changes. It's important to follow all prescribed treatments and attend follow-up appointments to ensure the condition is under control.

Prevention and Early Detection

While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, early detection through regular eye exams can help detect the condition in its early stages, before significant damage occurs. We encourage all our patients, especially those over the age of 40 or with a family history of glaucoma, to schedule regular eye exams to monitor for signs of the disease. Early intervention can help preserve vision and prevent severe damage.