Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It is estimated to affect almost one in every fifty adults. Glaucoma, in most cases, will cause vision to slowly deteriorate over time, going unnoticed by the patient until irreversible damage has been caused. Because of this, it is extremely important to schedule routine eye exams with Comprehensive EyeCare Center in the greater Columbus, OH, area. Luckily, with modern-day technology, it is easy to detect glaucoma before any damage is done, thus making treatment easier and more effective.
Glaucoma is a condition in which fluid builds up in the eye, causing elevated eye pressure to damage the optic nerve. Most patients, but not all, who have glaucoma have elevated eye pressure. If not dealt with in a timely manner, glaucoma results in irreversible damage to vision.
There are many forms of glaucoma, but they all have the same end result: permanent vision loss brought on by optic nerve damage. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form and generally occurs after age 35. It develops slowly with no symptoms.
Risk factors for glaucoma:
- Family history of glaucoma
- Being over age 60
- Being African-American, making it eight times more likely
- Previous trauma to the eye
- Diseases affecting circulation
- Severe nearsightedness (myopia)
The most common treatment of glaucoma is a medication in the form of eye drops. For those patients who cannot be treated with medication or do not like to use drops, an alternative treatment is available. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is utilized by more and more ophthalmologists – even first-line – because of its efficacy and low side effect profile. Comprehensive EyeCare is one of a few practices in central Ohio that has this SLT laser available in the office. The procedure only takes a few minutes, can lower eye pressure for years, and can be repeated several times to maintain good pressure. This laser surgery generally has rapid recovery time, little discomfort, and is covered by medical insurance.
Click here to get more information on the SLT laser.
Our qualified and experienced ophthalmologists can help diagnose and treat your glaucoma. Catching glaucoma in its early stages is very important, and will help you and our doctors in Westerville, Ohio to better manage it. If you notice any changes in your vision, or if you have elevated eye pressure, please make an appointment with us at Comprehensive EyeCare in Westerville.
