Glaucoma Specialist

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma’s many eye conditions lead to damage in your optic nerve. It’s a serious eye health issue, as there are often no symptoms. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness.

The primary characteristic of glaucoma is excess fluid in the front portion of your eye. That fluid places pressure on your optic nerve and causes slow but steady damage. Because the process is usually gradual, you may not notice symptoms until your vision is at risk.

There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.

Primary open-angle glaucoma

The most common form of glaucoma, this condition begins when your eye cannot drain fluid properly. The fluid builds up, placing gradual pressure on your optic nerve. There are no symptoms in the early stages.

Angle-closure glaucoma

This form of glaucoma occurs when your iris is situated close to your eye’s drainage angle. If your iris impedes drainage, it can cause an acute attack that requires immediate treatment. Some men and women develop this type of glaucoma slowly.

Routine eye exams are the best way to detect drainage issues in the early stages when treatment is most effective.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Many men and women have no symptoms when the condition is in the early stages. When symptoms are present, they might include a combination of:

• Sudden blurry vision
• Headache
• Eye redness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe eye pain
• Rainbow-colored halos or rings in your vision

It’s absolutely critical to seek professional care at Bainbridge Eye Care if you notice these or any sudden pain or changes in your vision.  

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

At Bainbridge Eye Care, advanced medical technology, including an on-site Octopus 300, guides all diagnostic and treatment processes. The practice offers state-of-the-art visual field testing to search for signs of glaucoma and other forms of eye disease.

The process is swift and painless, and occurs during your comprehensive eye exams. Additional screening tools measure the pressure within your eyes, your corneal thickness, and your drainage angle.  

What are the treatment options for glaucoma?

Treating glaucoma focuses on reducing the pressure in your eyes. There are several options, and your specialist at Bainbridge Eye Care works with you to determine the right fit for your specific set of needs. Treatment paths include:

• Medication to reduce fluid production
• Medication to improve fluid drainage
• Drainage tubes
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Laser therapy

Finding the right treatment requires a personalized approach, which is an area of specialty at Bainbridge Eye Care. Book your appointment today, online or over the phone.