Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive disease of the optic nerve that is a leading cause of blindness in this country. Early in the disease there are no symptoms, so regular annual eye exams are needed to monitor its progression. In the majority of patients with glaucoma, the pressure inside the eye is elevated. With early detection and treatment, vision loss and blindness from glaucoma can be prevented.

Elevated intraocular pressure, advancing age, African ancestry, family history, history of ocular injury, extreme nearsightedness and chronic use of corticosteroid medicines are the major risk factors. Diabetes and high blood pressure are minor risk factors.

There are several different types of glaucoma, all of which have progressive optic nerve injury and visual field loss in common. Your ophthalmologist examine you and determine which type of glaucoma you have and discuss treatments options that are best for you.

Treatment Options

Eyedrops - Glaucoma is most commonly treated with eyedrop medication. Medications need to be taken every day. Medications can be very effective in preventing vision loss from glaucoma, but they may not work for everyone.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) - A laser procedure known as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a very safe and effective treatment for glaucoma. It is becoming more and more common as a primary treatment for glaucoma and may be used as a substitute for medications. SLT is used to make the internal drainage system in the eye work better and, therefore, reduce eye pressure.
Surgery - Surgery is also a treatment option for glaucoma. Surgery ranges from Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS) that can be combined with or without cataract surgery, to more extensive surgeries where a new drainage system is created such as with a trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery.

If you suffer from glaucoma, we can provide the care needed to treat your eye condition. Dr. Novak has treated patients with glaucoma for over 30 years and provides comprehensive medical and surgical management for all types of glaucoma.

Glaucoma

Treatment Options

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