Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma
Glaucoma results in a loss of peripheral vision over time. Glaucoma has a hereditary component and there are also risk factors that can increase your risk of developing glaucoma. Hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, being Asian, Black or Hispanic increases the incidence of glaucoma. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which sends signals from your eyes to your brain. It can cause patchy blind spots or, in severe cases, lead to tunnel vision. In most cases, you will not feel glaucoma if you have it. Eye pressure needs to be monitored and measured on an annual basis, and often more frequently if you have a family history of glaucoma or have any underlying risk factors.
Are you at risk for glaucoma?
Glaucoma can be sneaky. This eye disease often carries no symptoms, except for a slow erosion of your vision, brought on by increased pressure in the eye. The danger lies in its irreversible nature – once it damages the optic nerve, there’s no turning back. This is why regular eye examinations are crucial to catch and manage glaucoma early. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear – preventive maintenance is key and readily available.
Who's at Risk?
Certain factors put you at a higher risk of glaucoma:
- Being 60 years or older
- Having a history of eye surgery
- Prior eye injury
- Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
- High eye pressure
- Family history of high eye pressure
The Breakdown
Glaucoma typically develops after age 60 and is often linked to genetics. It happens when fluid builds up in the front of the eye, increasing internal pressure and potentially damaging the optic nerve.
There are two main types, open-angle and closed-angle. Both involve blockage in the eye’s drainage system, leading to increased pressure. Open-angle glaucoma is a slow process with little to no symptoms, while closed-angle is a sudden, painful event and a medical emergency.
Managing Glaucoma
When it comes to treating glaucoma, our goal is to effectively manage your glaucoma, aiming to lower eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. Frequent visual field testing is also critical. Your treatment might involve medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases glaucoma surgery.
Remember, the best defense against glaucoma is early detection. Do not wait for your vision to fade or to incur irreversible changes. Glaucoma is one disease that has such a high rate of preventable blindness. Tell your loved ones who have a family history of glaucoma or not, to give us the opportunity to test for this insidious disease that robs people unnecessarily of precious sight. Remember, regular check-ups can catch these issues early and protect your vision. Sight for life. That is our goal. That is our mission.
Treatment Options
Depending on your specific condition, we might recommend eye drops or medication to reduce eye pressure, frequent monitoring of your eye pressure and affected nerve health, or even surgery in advanced cases.
Location
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact
Fax: 888-504-0018
Hours
1:00-4:30pm