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Glaucoma Treatment

glaucoma

Eye Physicians Inc. is proud to offer the following in laser and light based technology for the treatment of glaucoma. Contact EPI for more information about SLT or visit the web link below. Laser and Light Based Technology:

Advances in laser and light-based technology have played a vital role in furthering many branches of medical science. In seeking new ways to offer their profound benefits to patients, Lumenis has installed over 70,000 leading-edge systems in doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals in more than 100 countries worldwide.
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What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. Loss of sight from glaucoma is preventable if it is treated early enough.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries the images our eyes see to our brain. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside of the eye becomes too high for the optic nerve to remain healthy. The pressure inside the eye is normally less than 21 millimeters of mercury, but in eyes with glaucoma it is frequently above 21.

Glaucoma causes blind spots to develop in the vision. Often people don’t notice these blind spots until much of the optic nerve is damaged. If the entire optic nerve is destroyed, blindness results.

Early detection and treatment by your ophthalmologist are the keys to prevent optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.

During a complete medical eye examination, your ophthalmologist may:

  • Measure the intraocular pressure (tonometry)
  • Inspect the drainage angle of your eye (gonioscopy)
  • Evaluate for optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy)
  • Test the visual field of each eye (perimetry)
  • Measure the thickness of the cornea (pachymetry)


Computer Nerve Analysis for Glaucoma

Computer and laser technology has led to the development of the optic nerve analyzer for glaucoma. This device scans the optic nerve and generates a 3-dimensional picture of the optic nerve. A computer then analyzes the picture and can determine if you have glaucoma or if your glaucoma is getting worse. This technology will help to further prevent vision loss and blindness due to glaucoma sooner than traditional methods.

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

  • Older age
  • Nearsightedness
  • African ancestry
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Prior injury to the eye

glaucoma

Your ophthalmologist will weigh all of these factors before deciding whether you need treatment for glaucoma or close monitoring as a glaucoma suspect.

As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, pills, laser and surgery are used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring. Regular and periodic eye examinations are very important to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.