Glaucoma Specialist

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to several chronic eye problems that progressively damage the optic nerve. It occurs when fluid builds up in the back of your eye and cannot properly drain. 

Glaucoma doesn’t always present symptoms, which is why routine eye exams are so important. Though there’s no cure for glaucoma, with early intervention and treatment, it’s possible to prevent further vision loss or blindness.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Common symptoms of glaucoma include:

• Eye pain
• Severe headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Blind spots in your peripheral or central vision
• Red eyes

If you have glaucoma, you might also see halos around lights, especially when driving at night.

What are the types of glaucoma?

There are several types of glaucoma, but the team at Marano Eye Care focuses on two, in particular:

Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the trabecular meshwork at the back of your eye becomes blocked and prevents fluid from draining properly. As more fluid collects, pressure builds in your eye, slowly damaging the optic nerve. Of all the types of glaucoma, open-angle is the most common.

Angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma causes your iris to bulge outward and block the drainage canals at the back of your eye. Ultimately, this blockage prevents fluid from circulating through your eye, increasing pressure, and damaging your optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma can occur gradually over an extended period or suddenly with no warning.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

To diagnose glaucoma, the team at Marano Eye Care reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a comprehensive eye exam. They also:

• Measure your intraocular pressure (tonometry)
• Check for areas of vision loss
• Measure your corneal thickness
• Inspect the drainage angle of your eyes

The team also assesses the health of your optic nerve by dilating your eyes and using specialized imaging tests. 

How is glaucoma treated?

There’s no cure for glaucoma, but with early diagnosis and intervention, it’s possible to slow the progression of the disease. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, the team at Marano Eye Care might recommend prescription eye drops or oral medications. 

If these measures don’t relieve the pressure in your eye, surgical intervention might be necessary. The team offers several types of surgical treatment for glaucoma, including:

• Durysta™
• Laser therapy
• Filtering surgery
• Drainage tubes

To learn more about the various treatment options for glaucoma, request a consultation at Marano Eye Care. Call the nearest location to speak with a member of the administrative staff or book online today.