Glaucoma

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Take a Proactive Approach to Preventing Vision Loss

Glaucoma is a disease that develops when the optic nerve sustains gradual, cumulative damage. Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of those know they have it. Early intervention is key to preventing permanent vision loss from this disease.

Some patients have a higher chance of developing glaucoma, including people:

With a family history of glaucoma
Who are over the age of 40
Who have myopic or hyperopic eyes
Have thin corneas
Have diabetes
Have high or low blood pressure
Experience migraines

Medical Optometry America can help prevent permanent vision loss through early detection and management of glaucoma. By scheduling regular eye exams with your Medical Optometry America practice, you can help protect your vision and ocular health for years to come.

Glaucoma Management

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Main Types of Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma

There is a chamber between your iris and your lens called the anterior chamber. Through this chamber flows a fluid called the aqueous humor. If the aqueous humor does not drain properly from the anterior chamber, your intraocular pressure rises, which can eventually damage your optic nerve.

In open-angle glaucoma, there is enough space between the iris and the lens to allow drainage, but the drainage ducts do not allow the aqueous humor to flow correctly.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

In cases of angle-closure glaucoma, the eye’s drainage ducts function properly but the space between the iris and the lens suddenly closes, filling with aqueous humor. This type of glaucoma typically occurs in individuals who are hyperopic, since their eyes have a comparatively narrow space or “angle” between the iris and lens.

Angle-closure glaucoma can come on very quickly and is often accompanied by nausea, significant eye pain, excessive tears, and headache. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you experience these symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often associated with high intraocular pressure; however, that is not always the cause. Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when the drainage ducts work correctly and the space between the iris and the lens is wide enough to facilitate outflow, but the optic nerve still sustains damage. Medical scientists do not yet know why this happens.

How is Glaucoma Detected?

Medical Optometry America uses advanced diagnostic testing to detect glaucoma, often before you even notice vision loss.

Testing intraocular pressure is essential for assessing glaucoma risk, but it is only a small part of a comprehensive glaucoma examination. Other tests also play a vital role in the eventual diagnosis and management of this complex disease, such as:

Ocular Computed Tomography
Visual field testing
Assessment of the optic nerve with stereo imaging
Corneal thickness and hysteresis

Medical Optometry America clinicians have the latest technologies and expertise to provide comprehensive glaucoma care. Our approach can lead to early diagnosis and management, decreasing your risk of vision loss.

“The old saying that glaucoma is the silent thief of sight does not have to ring true anymore. Through technology and modern techniques, optometrists can detect glaucoma earlier than ever before, preserving more of your vision. However, glaucoma does not always exhibit symptoms, especially in its early stages, so even if you have perfect vision, trouble may be afoot. ”

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often called “the silent thief of sight” for the way it can develop slowly and without symptoms. By the time patients realize their vision is changing, they have often already lost a significant portion of their eyesight. As such, it is vital to have your eyes examined by an Medical Optometry America doctor frequently.

Unlike many other types of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma does usually produce noticeable and severe symptoms, which may include:

Headaches
Severe eye pain
Excessive tears
Glare or halos around lights
Nausea
Vomiting

Medical Optometry America Best Practice Treatments

On-going monitoring of glaucoma risk factors
Regularly scheduled assessments and testing
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Pressure lowering eye drops
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS)

Our Testimonials

Outstanding services provided from the moment I arrived. Facility is very nice! The modern aesthetic is pleasing to the eye and calming as well! The Staff is Professional, compassionate, and reassuring. I arrived to my appointment concerned about what may be found, regarding my vision. My concerns were thoroughly addressed, investigated and diagnosed. I’m very happy with the treatment plan and have experienced positive results by following Dr. O’Dell’s recommendations. Thank you all so much for a wonderful experience!

Chris

This was my first eye evaluation and it could not have gone any smoother. Testing and results were thoroughly explained and I didn’t have any questions when I left the office. Office was brand new and the staff was very helpful and courteous. If you need an eye exam give them a call!

Paul

Dr. Kuc has been such a great help in assuring me that there are many treatment options for my dry eye! He has helped me feel confident that we will find the right treatment for me and has been thorough in explaining my options and taking the time to answer my questions. He is very good at explaining procedures to put me at ease. He has wonderful “bedside manner” and is one of the most personable and compassionate doctors I think I have ever been to. Very thankful I found Dr. Kuc!

Gianna

Great location. Extremely friendly staff. Justin Sherman the OD is very detail oriented and an outstanding manner both Professionally and connecting with patients on a human level. A FANTASTIC experience. Can I give ten stars?

Rasheed

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Glaucoma

Take a Proactive Approach to Preventing Vision Loss

Main Types of Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

How is Glaucoma Detected?

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Medical Optometry America Best Practice Treatments

Our Testimonials

Chris

Paul

Gianna

Rasheed

Our Blog

5 Easy Eye Care Tips to Maximize Summertime Fun

5 Easy Eye Care Tips to Maximize Summertime Fun

5 Spring Eye Care Tips

5 Spring Eye Care Tips

Don’t be ‘Shortsighted’ on the Eye Health Impacts of Myopia

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