What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma describes a disease caused by a buildup of pressure within the eye – called intraocular pressure. In a normal eye, fluid flows in and out of the front space of the eye. Fluid bathes the tissue in this anterior chamber and moistens your eyeball. When you have glaucoma, however, the fluid drains too slowly and builds up in pressure, causing damage to the optic nerve.
Glaucoma develops in people as they age and usually affects both eyes.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
You may have glaucoma if you notice:
- A loss of peripheral vision
- Eye pain and blurred vision
- Tunnel vision
- Poor vision, especially in dim lighting
Red eyes and seeing halos around lights are other possible signs of glaucoma.
Who is at risk of developing glaucoma?
You may be susceptible to developing glaucoma because of a tumor, diabetes, inflammation, or an advanced cataract. People with the following risk factors are more prone to develop primary glaucoma:
- Advanced age
- Eye injuries
- Eye surgery
- Nearsightedness
If you're more prone to glaucoma, schedule an appointment at Stevens Eye Care.
What treatment is available for glaucoma?
In its earliest stages, Dr. Stevens provides eye drops and sometimes oral medications. If medications don’t work or aren’t well-tolerated, you may benefit from a variety of different surgeries.
Dr. Stevens uses the latest surgical options, including iStent, which creates pathways for fluid to release from the eye. He may also recommend the Xen® gel stent – a surgical implant designed to lower high pressure in some glaucoma patients. Xen is recommended in cases where other surgery or medications failed to manage open-angle glaucoma successfully.
What is MIGS?
MIGS, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, is a valid alternative to standard glaucoma surgeries. Standard surgery is an open procedure that has several potential complications.
With MIGS, Dr. Stevens uses microscopic equipment and small incisions to release intraocular pressure. Because it’s less invasive than open surgery, you recover more quickly and have a lower risk of infection following the procedure.
Dr. Stevens evaluates your condition to determine which glaucoma treatment is most appropriate for you. If you suffer from glaucoma, call Stevens Eye Care, or schedule an appointment using the online tool today.
