Mast

Glaucoma Surgery

Peoria and Bloomington, Illinois

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for the elderly. The optic nerve carries the images we see from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can damage nerve fibers, causing blind spots to develop. If the entire nerve is destroyed, then blindness results. People often don't notice these blind spots until much optic nerve damage has already occurred. The good news is loss of sight from glaucoma is preventable if you get treatment early enough.

Glaucoma occurs when the clear liquid that flows in and out of the eye becomes clogged inside the eye. When the drainage area of the eye - called the drainage angle - is blocked, the fluid pressure within the eye increases, which can then cause damage to the optic nerve.

Common symptoms of glaucoma include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rainbow haloes around lights
  • Severe eye pain

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call the Gailey Eye Clinic physicians immediately. If acute angle-closure glaucoma is not treated quickly, blindness can result.

Risk factors for developing glaucoma

The most important risk factors include:

  • A family history of glaucoma
  • A history of severe anemia or shock
  • African ancestry
  • Age
  • Near-sightedness
  • Past eye injuries

Your physician will weigh all of these factors before deciding whether you need treatment, or if you require closer monitoring.

Detection

Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect glaucoma. During your examination, your physician will:

  • Measure your intraocular pressure (tonometry)
  • Inspect the drainage angle of your eye (gonioscopy)
  • Evaluate any optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy)
  • Test the visual field of each eye (perimetry)

Not all of these tests are necessary for every person. However, you may need to repeat these tests on a regular basis to determine if glaucoma damage is increasing over time.

Treatment

Optic nerve damage that has already occurred cannot be reversed. However, eye drops, pills and laser and surgical operations can be used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring. Your physician will develop the appropriate treatment plan for you depending on the nature and extent of your condition.

If you are at-risk for developing glaucoma, or are experiencing some of the common symptoms of the condition, please contact us today to arrange an examination.