Glaucoma is a very serious issue. If left undetected or untreated, glaucoma can result in blindness. Yet glaucoma can be hard to detect. That’s why it’s imperative that you visit our North County San Diego laser eye surgery center for regular check ups and exams. We will use the latest diagnostic technology and techniques to make sure that we catch glaucoma as soon as possible. Let’s look at some of the basics about glaucoma and its treatment right now.
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is sometimes referred to as the silent thief of sight. The condition involves increased pressure within a person’s eye. The increase in intraocular pressure affects the optic nerve, resulting in impaired vision. There are no over-the-counter remedies for glaucoma. The only way to get the treatment that you need is by meeting with a skilled Carlsbad eye surgeon.
Signs of Glaucoma
The most common sign of glaucoma is gradual vision loss and impairment. The loss of peripheral vision is usually the first sign of glaucoma, with a gradual narrowing of a person’s overall field of vision. In some cases, patients will experience vision loss coupled with eye pain, severe red eye, nausea, and vision problems such as halos and starbursts. Should you notice any of these, be sure to speak with your physician, an eye care specialist, or a member of our team so that you can undergo a screening.
Treatments for Glaucoma
Since glaucoma affects interior structures of the eyes, simple vision correction treatments such as LASIK eye surgery will be ineffective. Glaucoma is essentially irreversible, but it can be managed and a certain level of vision can be maintained through medications and special surgical procedures.
Medications for Glaucoma
There are a few medications for glaucoma that patients can use to manage intraocular pressure. These are generally administered directly to the eyes through eye drops. This treatment can be expensive, though it is also an effective option to consider in order to maintain your overall quality of vision and prevent further or pronounced vision loss.
Surgical Treatments for Glaucoma
There are a few surgical options for glaucoma that relatively common, such as canaloplasty, trabeculectomy, and the placement of drainage implants. Though the surgical techniques may differ, each procedure operates on the same principle: relieving intraocular pressure in order to halt the progression of vision loss. We’ll be sure to go over all of your surgical options in full detail during your visit. We’ll also help you weigh all of your treatment options so that you receive the best eye care possible.
Treating Other Serious Eye Problems
In addition to treating glaucoma, our team can also help address problems related to refractive error and San Diego cataracts. To learn more about all of your options for effective eye care, it’s important that you visit with our team as soon as possible.
Schedule a Consultation for Advanced Eye Care Treatment
To learn more about glaucoma, its various treatments, and how our team can help you, be sure to contact our Carlsbad eye surgery center today. The entire team looks forward to helping you achieve the best possible vision and maintaining the overall health of your eyes.