In the early stages of glaucoma, there may be no symptoms whatsoever.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause a gradual loss of vision without warning; hence glaucoma is referred to as “the silent thief of sight.” In the early stages of glaucoma, there may be no symptoms whatsoever. Experts in the field estimate that half of the people affected with glaucoma may not know they have it.
At Northwest Eye Clinic, we have the latest technology for evaluating patients with glaucoma. All of our physicians diagnose and treat glaucoma in various stages of progression. Our goal is to provide early diagnosis of, and appropriately aggressive treatment for, glaucoma so that vision loss can be prevented.
Our diagnostic equipment includes:
- Tonometry – measurement of the eye pressure (by applanation and Tonopen)
- Pachymetry – measurement of corneal thickness ( a thin cornea is a risk factor)
- Computer-assisted visual field testing – checks for loss of peripheral vision
- Stereo optic nerve photography – documents the condition of the optic nerve
- Optic Nerve Imaging device – the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – provide graphic view and analysis of the optic nerve and the nerve fiber layer
We offer a full array of Glaucoma Surgical Services including:
- Laser trabeculoplasty
- Laser iridotomy
- Trabeculectomy (guarded filtration surgery)
- Combined cataract surgery with trabeculectomy
- Implant surgery of glaucoma setons (glaucoma tube shunts or valves)
- Cyclodestructive laser surgery (laser CPC)
Early detection of glaucoma is best done through regular eye exams, including dilation. While everyone is at risk for glaucoma, certain groups of patients are at higher risk:
- Patients over age 65
- Patients with elevated eye pressure
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- Patients of African American decent
- Patients of Hispanic descent
- Patients with a past eye injury
- Highly nearsighted patients
- Patients with thin corneas
- Patients taking topical or oral prednisone or steroids
- Patients of Asian descent appear to be at higher risk for angle closure glaucoma
If you, a family member, or someone you know is at risk for glaucoma and has not had a regular eye exam in the past two years, please take a moment to call and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
For more information on glaucoma and glaucoma surgery, please see the following websites:
Schedule an appointment today: 360-733-4800
