common eye conditions

Glaucoma

What is it?

Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is progressively damaged by pressure within the eye.

Detection

While glaucoma can affect patients of any age, it is much more common in older adults. Typically, glaucoma causes painless, gradual loss of peripheral vision and may not be noticed until well advanced. Regular eye exams help detect any changes to vision as a result of glaucoma.

Treatment

Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss. There are many different kinds of glaucoma and the best treatment is dependent upon an accurate diagnosis and monitoring of the condition. Treatment can consist of the use of eyedrops, laser surgery, and incisional surgery.

New diagnoses of glaucoma, if not made by an ophthalmologist, should be confirmed by an ophthalmologist, as accurate diagnosis of the type of glaucoma, its severity, and best course of initial treatment are critical. When glaucoma is stable and well controlled, a team approach with an ophthalmologist and an optometrist may provide follow-up. However, changes in the condition should prompt care by an ophthalmologist. Any laser or incisional surgery should only be performed by a trained and experienced ophthalmologist.

Glaucoma Surgery

There are many different surgical procedures performed for glaucoma and your surgeon can decide which will be most successful for your type of glaucoma and condition. 

Some surgical procedures for glaucoma are performed with laser in your ophthalmologist's office:

• Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

• Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty

• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Other surgical procedures require going to the operating room so your surgeon can create alternative pathways for fluid to leave the eye:

• Filtration Surgery

• Tube Shunting

• Microincisional Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

Whether performed with laser in the office or as a more complex procedure in the operating room, these are delicate surgical operations that should only be performed by a medical doctor and trained surgeon—an ophthalmologist.

All glaucoma surgical procedures are performed to lower the pressure inside the eye and stop the progressive damage and loss of vision being caused by the elevated pressure within the eye. None of these procedures, however, reverse the damage and loss of vision or visual field that has already occurred. That’s why it is important to stay on top of your eye health and be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as any glaucoma risk factors or symptoms are detected. The type of procedure performed and when to perform it are complicated decisions that your ophthalmologist will help you make.