Glaucoma is usually associated with the increase of fluid pressure inside the eye. If left untreated it can cause vision loss by damaging the optic nerve. Commonly referred to as “the silent blinder,” because in most cases it progresses gradually and without symptoms. It may begin with loss of peripheral vision and then progress to central vision loss and blindness. It affects nearly two out of every 100 people over the age of 35. Half of those are at risk for blindness because they may not even know they have the disease.
At King's Eye Care, our doctors use the very latest technology to identify patients with glaucoma. The diagnosis is not always clear-cut since each eye varies in its susceptibility to eye pressure. Successful diagnosis and treatment begin with a careful ocular evaluation. First, we measure the fluid pressure within the eye. Corneal thickness may affect this pressure reading and can be checked with an ultrasonic pachymeter. We examine your eyes thoroughly and look for optic nerve damage, both visually and photographically. Using our state-of-the-art OCT we can measure the nerve fiber layer thickness around your optic nerve. This test may determine if you have glaucoma even before you experience any vision loss. Next, we test for central and peripheral vision loss using a sophisticated, computerized visual field analyzer. Gonioscopy helps determine which specific type of glaucoma you may have.
Finally, we analyze all the information to arrive at your unique diagnosis and treatment plan if indicated. Often, prescription eye drops or minimally invasive laser procedures can be used to lower the eye pressure in open angle glaucoma to prevent further damage. More advanced/severe cases may require more invasive surgical procedures.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe, painless, 5-minute in-office procedure that uses our Nidek YC-200 S laser to lower eye pressure and reduce the need for eye drops. It uses an extremely short burst of laser energy to selectively treat and remove pigmented cells that may clog the trabecular meshwork. Compared to traditional argon laser trabeculoplasty, SLT does not cause any structural changes or scarring so it can be repeated as needed. SLT can be a great first line therapy as opposed to drops, but is also a great option for patients who cannot afford eye drops, have poor compliance with eye drops, or to prevent unwanted/irritating side effects of eye drops.
Virtually no one should be blinded from glaucoma. Treatments are highly effective and, while vision already lost cannot be restored, the significant further loss can be avoided. The most important ingredient in successful glaucoma management is patient compliance. Continuous pressure control is possible only by strictly following your treatment plan…and that is primarily up to you. In most cases, the only people who become blind from glaucoma are those who do so before their condition is diagnosed or who do not follow their doctor’s advice and treatment regimen.