Glaucoma
At Garibaldi Eye Care, we provide specialized care and advanced treatments for various eye conditions, including glaucoma. We offer comprehensive glaucoma exams and personalized treatment options.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. It is often associated with increased intraocular pressure but can also occur with normal or low eye pressure.
There are different types of glaucoma which include the following:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): This is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when drainage canals become clogged, leading to increased intraocular pressure. Peripheral vision loss may occur.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma occurs when the iris is too close to the drainage angle in the eye, blocking fluid flow and causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma can cause severe symptoms such as eye pain, headache, blurred vision, and nausea. It is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this type of glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged even though the intraocular pressure remains within the normal range. The exact cause of normal-tension glaucoma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
- Secondary Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is caused by an underlying condition or injury, such as eye trauma, inflammation, or certain medications. Secondary glaucoma can develop at any age and may have different symptoms depending on the underlying cause.
- Congenital Glaucoma: This rare form occurs at birth or develops in early childhood. It is usually caused by an abnormality in the eye’s drainage system. Symptoms may include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and cloudy or enlarged corneas.
Early detection is crucial in managing glaucoma, as it is often asymptomatic in the early stages. Regular eye exams, including comprehensive glaucoma screenings, are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma:
- Family history of glaucoma
- Age (especially over 60)
- Certain medical conditions (such as diabetes and high blood pressure)
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Redness
- Halos around lights
- Gradual vision loss
Comprehensive Glaucoma Exams
At Garibaldi Eye Care, we offer comprehensive glaucoma exams to diagnose and monitor glaucoma’s progression accurately. Our experienced optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to measure intraocular pressure, assess optic nerve health, and evaluate visual field changes. These painless and non-invasive exams provide valuable information for effective glaucoma management.
Regular follow-up visits are crucial in monitoring and managing glaucoma progression. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and condition.
Personalized Glaucoma Treatment
Garibaldi Eye Care takes a personalized approach to glaucoma treatment. Our goal is to slow down or halt the progression of glaucoma to preserve your vision. We offer a range of treatment options.
- Prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure are medications used to reduce the stress inside the eye, which is essential in managing glaucoma and preventing optic nerve damage.
- Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage is a treatment option for glaucoma that uses laser technology to create small openings in the eye’s drainage system, allowing for better fluid outflow and reducing intraocular pressure.
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) refers to a group of surgical procedures that are less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgeries. These procedures aim to improve fluid drainage from the eye and lower intraocular pressure.
- Traditional glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy) is a surgical procedure that involves creating a new drainage channel in the eye to allow excess fluid to drain out, reducing intraocular pressure. It is typically considered when other treatment options have not effectively managed glaucoma.
Our experienced optometrists will discuss the available treatment options with you and recommend the most suitable approach for your condition.
Visit Garibaldi Eye Care Today
Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that requires specialized care and early intervention. We are committed to providing quality, comprehensive eye care and advanced glaucoma management at Garibaldi Eye Care. Our team of skilled optometrists and state-of-the-art facilities ensure you receive the best care for your glaucoma needs.
If you are at risk for glaucoma, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preserve your vision. Contact us today or visit our clinic to book your appointment. Don’t let glaucoma compromise your vision – trust Garibaldi Eye Care for personalized glaucoma disease management.
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