Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front segment of your eye. The extra fluid that accumulates in the front part of the eye increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is usually associated with increased eye pressure, but it can develop with normal intraocular pressure as well. In general, as pressure increases, the optic nerve can become damaged, causing visual field defects. In the early stages of untreated glaucoma, peripheral vision may be affected. If glaucoma is allowed to progress, it is possible for the entire optic nerve to be damaged, leading to significant vision loss or irreversible blindness. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States.
To diagnose glaucoma, our eye surgeons measure intraocular pressure and corneal thickness, perform gonioscopy, and obtain diagnostic testing (nerve fiber layer analysis, perimetry testing, & optic nerve photos) using the best technology available. In most cases, treatment for glaucoma will consist of eye drops and/or laser therapy.
Treatment Options
Medical Treatment
Initial treatment of most forms of glaucoma begins with medical therapy which consists of eye drops. There is a wide array of eye medications that can be used for intraocular pressure lowering therapy. Your drop regimen will be determined by one of our eye surgeons to best suit your specific intraocular pressure goals.
Laser Surgery
At Bealka Eye Surgery, we offer the latest in laser technology to treat various forms of glaucoma. Schedule a consultation with one of our providers to see which option best suits you.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
At Bealka Eye Surgery, we offer minimally invasive glaucoma surgery which can be performed at the same time as cataract surgery or as a stand-alone procedure to restore the natural outflow system of the eye. Schedule a consultation with one of our providers to see which option best suits you.
