Glaucoma in Phoenix, AZ
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Contact UsWhat is Glaucoma?
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.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
The many kinds and severities of glaucoma frequently don't have any symptoms at all in the initial stages. Nonetheless, each type can also cause one or a few symptoms that feel insignificant or severe. When glaucoma begins to worsen, people commonly initially notice things like blind spots in their peripheral vision, hazy vision, headaches, and bloodshot eyes. As the condition advances even more, symptoms might include pronounced glare, extremely reduced peripheral vision, nausea, and eye pain. Because glaucoma won't usually have any symptoms until its advanced stages, receiving regular comprehensive eye exams is crucial to diagnosing it soon enough to manage any vision loss.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma?
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.
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
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.
How Is Glaucoma Managed?
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.
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Take Control of Glaucoma
At Advanced Vision & Achievement Center, we frequently have consultations with men and women dealing with glaucoma to help them manage the disease. It’s reassuring to know that getting a diagnosis and treatment as early as possible can allow you to keep your symptoms under control. Dr. Amin and Dr. Hardy encourage any person who has these symptoms, a family history of glaucoma, or a current diagnosis of glaucoma to schedule an appointment at their Phoenix, AZ facility.
What are the Causes of Glaucoma?
In normal eyes, the fluid inside the eye flows in and out to maintain a healthy level of intraocular pressure. However, when this fluid cannot drain properly through the trabecular meshwork, it can lead to a buildup of pressure and damage the optic nerve. All forms of glaucoma are the result of trauma to the optic nerve.
There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle and narrow- or closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the trabecular meshwork becomes clogged over time, while closed-angle glaucoma happens because the space between the iris and cornea becomes too narrow, preventing proper fluid drainage. Both types can be inherited or occur due to underlying health conditions. Other factors that increase your risk include the use of corticosteroid eye drops and having abnormally thin corneal tissue. If you believe you are at risk for glaucoma, it is important to call our office in Phoenix, AZ, and schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
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About UsGlaucoma FAQs
Will I go blind from glaucoma?
Most glaucoma patients do not go blind. While blindness is rare, affecting about 5% of patients, sight impairment is more common. Proper treatment and regular follow-up can stabilize the condition, leading to a favorable outcome.
What is it like to have glaucoma?
Living with glaucoma typically involves regular doctor visits and daily eye drop medications. Some activities, like driving, may become challenging due to effects like loss of contrast sensitivity and light sensitivity, but patients can generally continue their normal routines.
How often should I see my eye doctor?
Newly diagnosed glaucoma patients might need frequent eye pressure checks initially. Over time, regular checkups several times a year are necessary, and the frequency will be part of your treatment plan.