Glaucoma in Phoenix, AZ

Glaucoma is the name for a set of conditions that can deteriorate the optic nerve, which has the important job of sending visual impulses to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma will typically result in vision loss and/or total blindness. It is nearly always caused by elevated intraocular pressure from fluid buildup.

Glaucoma primarily impacts people past the age of 60. Today, approximately two million people in this country have glaucoma, many of whom haven't been diagnosed. In the beginning, glaucoma doesn't have any discernable symptoms and is frequently known as the "silent thief." Though there is no cure for the disease, it can be managed via early diagnosis and appropriate treatments.

Conditions like glaucoma are a major reason why scheduling comprehensive eye exams a minimum of every other year is crucial to your general eye health. At Advanced Vision & Achievement Center, we have the most up-to-date diagnostic technologies and are highly trained in the best management methods. If you are over the age of 40, call us at our Phoenix, AZ facility to plan your exam with Dr. Neha Amin LaCorte or Dr. Mary Hardy and get ahead of managing your eye health.

Various factors can elevate the risk of developing glaucoma. Age is a major risk factor, especially for individuals over 60. A family history of glaucoma indicates a genetic predisposition to the condition. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, are linked to an increased risk of glaucoma. Specific eye conditions, including high intraocular pressure, thin corneas, and severe nearsightedness, also contribute to its development. Racial background plays a role, with African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics being more susceptible. Additionally, previous eye injuries and prolonged use of corticosteroids can heighten the risk.

Dr. Amin conducts several necessary tests to establish if an individual has glaucoma. All of the tests are completely comfortable, quite simple, and quick. First, she will enlarge the pupils and possibly numb the eyes with special eye drops. Once the eye drops begin to work, Dr. Amin will begin conducting the tests, which will include gauging the intraocular pressure (tonometry) and the corneal thickness (pachymetry), measuring the width of the area between the iris and cornea (gonioscopy), observing and digitally imaging the appearance of the optic nerve, testing the patient’s field of side (peripheral) vision, and testing for any blind spots.

Once a glaucoma diagnosis is given, there are several techniques patients can choose from to successfully manage it. All of these methods focus on reducing intraocular pressure to stop more injury to the optical nerve. A great number of patients who are in the beginning stages of glaucoma are often able to hinder or interrupt their vision loss by managing the glaucoma with daily eye drops.

For patients whose condition has progressed further, more involved treatments, like MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery), laser procedures, and traditional glaucoma surgery, could ease the condition quite a bit. Whether we provide these procedures or need to refer our glaucoma patients to a trusted specialist, the Advanced Vision & Achievement Center team of highly trained ophthalmologists is devoted to determining the most effective answers for our patients' personalized ocular health requirements.