Your Trusted Partner in Glaucoma Care
Did you know glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness? At Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA, we are here to help safeguard your sight. We ensure early detection and tailored referrals, empowering you to preserve your vision for years.
Understanding What Glaucoma Is
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that leads to optic nerve damage and vision loss. It often occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye, increasing the intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye. There are several types of glaucoma, the two main ones being:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): It usually develops slowly without clear signs. Pressure gradually builds up in the eye, impacting the optic nerve.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type is rarer but more urgent. The iris bulges, partially or entirely blocking the drainage angle and causing a sudden pressure increase.
Other less common types include normal-tension glaucoma, congenital glaucoma (present at birth), and secondary glaucoma (resulting from other eye conditions or medical treatments).
What Puts You at Risk for Glaucoma?
Numerous factors can increase your likelihood of developing glaucoma. These factors include:
- Age
- Family history
- Ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians)
- Medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure)
- Previous eye injuries
- Severe nearsightedness (myopia)
- Thin corneas
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Eye surgery
- Elevated eye pressure
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically progresses without noticeable symptoms until advanced stages. As the condition advances, you may experience:
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- A narrowing of the field of vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Redness in the eye accompanied by pain and blurred vision
These symptoms are not exclusive to glaucoma and can be associated with other eye conditions. Regular exams are vital for early detection and management, especially for at-risk patients.
How Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA Test for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. The key components of a glaucoma test include:
- Measure IOP to assess the fluid pressure inside the eye.
- Examine the optic nerve at the back of the eye for signs of damage or abnormalities.
- Assess the full horizontal and vertical range of what you can see in your peripheral vision.
- Examine the eye's drainage angle to determine if it is open or closed.
- Measure the thickness of the cornea, as thin corneas may be a risk factor for glaucoma.
- Utilizing light waves to create detailed images of the optic nerve.
These tests, often painless and conducted during a routine eye exam, allow our eye doctors to assess the health of your eyes and detect any signs of glaucoma. More frequent and specialized testing may be recommended for those with risk factors or a family history of the disease.
Expert Glaucoma Care and Referral in Meridian
While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, treatment aims to manage the condition, slow its progression, and preserve remaining vision. Treatment options may include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: These can help reduce IOP by increasing fluid drainage or decreasing fluid production.
- Oral Medications: Sometimes, oral medications may be prescribed to lower IOP.
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like laser trabeculoplasty or laser peripheral iridotomy can improve fluid drainage from the eye.
- Surgery: In certain situations, surgical interventions, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of drainage devices, may be recommended to enhance fluid drainage.
- Microsurgery: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) refers to advanced surgical techniques to treat glaucoma with minimal eye anatomy disruption. These procedures are often performed during cataract surgery or as standalone treatments and aim to reduce IOP. MIGS procedures typically involve microscopic devices to enhance the eye’s drainage system and regulate fluid flow.
Schedule your glaucoma consultation at Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA, and let’s navigate the path to a clearer, brighter tomorrow together.