Glaucoma Management
Glaucoma is a chronic condition that causes damage to the optic nerve over time. The optic nerve is the cable that transmits visual data between our eyes and our brain. If left unmanaged, glaucoma can result in progressive vision loss.
There are several different forms of glaucoma. Some occur slowly over many years, and others occur very quickly. Often, there are no symptoms until the condition is in its advanced stages. All forms of glaucoma can cause vision loss, and even blindness.
Specialty Testing Can Help Detect and Treat Glaucoma
If your eye exam shows signs of glaucoma, your doctor may recommend additional in-office testing.
Specialty Testing for Glaucoma:
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Visual field testing: An automated test designed to thoroughly check your peripheral and central vision for areas of vision loss.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Non-invasive, detailed photos and measurements of the optic nerves and other important vision-forming structures.
- Pachymetry: Measurement of the thickness of the cornea, the clear front window to the eye.
- Intraocular pressure testing: Measurement of intraocular pressures can be performed in a variety of ways. Elevated intraocular pressures can be associated with glaucomatous damage to the optic nerves over time.
Treatment and Management Options Are Available:
Your doctor will discuss treatment options for glaucoma based on your ocular health exams and specialty testing. Treatment options may include:
- Serial monitoring and testing: Suspicious nerves without signs of damage may simply be monitored with routine testing once to several times per year.
- Topical prescription eye drops: The most common first-line treatment for glaucoma is prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressures. This ultimately reduces the risk of progressive damage to the nerves over time. Drops may be prescribed once to several times daily.
- Laser surgery: In-office laser procedures may be recommended to reduce the intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. These procedures are performed by an ophthalmologist.
- Operating room surgery: Advanced and aggressive forms of glaucoma may require surgery in the operating room with an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma.