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Glaucoma Evaluation

GLAUCOMA IS ONE OF THE LEADING
CAUSES OF BLINDNESS IN THE WORLD.

It is a condition which affects the optic nerves, which connect the eyes to the brain. It leads to complete vision loss if it is not detected and treated promptly.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. The most common form, open angle glaucoma, usually appears without symptoms, causing progressive vision loss. It can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to managing glaucoma. As there are usually no warning signs of glaucoma, you should have regular eye examinations for early detection. By age 40, you should get checked for glaucoma every two to three years.

 

Our team offers effective treatment options for glaucoma, helping control the condition to prevent worsening of your vision. If you would like to set up an appointment to learn more about the disease and whether you are at risk, please feel free to contact us.

 

Glaucoma is often a painless, silent condition– until the vision is irreversibly damaged.  It is a condition that we often find on routine exams, and that can run in families.

 

Regular eye exams can allow early detection of this sight-threatening condition, and we know that early intervention can prevent any vision loss from occurring in your lifetime.  Dr. Desai is up to date in the latest in glaucoma management, therapy, and glaucoma surgery techniques.  We perform medical and laser treatment for glaucoma.

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Causes & Symptoms

Glaucoma can be a genetic disorder, but it can also happen to anyone. The disease is often associated with having elevated pressure in the eye. If your eye’s natural drainage system is not functioning properly, or if excess fluid is produced, there is an elevation of the pressure in the inner eye. This can eventually damage the optic nerve, connects our eyes and our brain.  You may begin to develop blind spots, often starting in your peripheral vision. The vision loss is subtle at first, and often goes unnoticed by the patient until significant damage has been done.  This damage is irreversible.

Types & Testing

There are two main types of glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma is the most common form and gradually develops over time. Acute angle closure glaucoma (also called narrow-angle glaucoma), is a less common form of glaucoma that occurs when the iris of the eye arches forward, creating a sudden blockage of the fluid drainage system. This type of glaucoma is characterized by sudden pain in the eye, often accompanied by blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting. Acute angle closure glaucoma requires immediate treatment.

There are many other types of glaucoma, which are caused by trauma, infections, inflammations, and genetics.

Types & Testing

There are two main types of glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma is the most common form and gradually develops over time. Acute angle closure glaucoma (also called narrow-angle glaucoma), is a less common form of glaucoma that occurs when the iris of the eye arches forward, creating a sudden blockage of the fluid drainage system. This type of glaucoma is characterized by sudden pain in the eye, often accompanied by blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting. Acute angle closure glaucoma requires immediate treatment.

There are many other types of glaucoma, which are caused by trauma, infections, inflammations, and genetics.

Routine screenings can help monitor your eye health and detect glaucoma in its earliest stages. During these visits, your eye doctor will check your eye pressure, and if it is higher than normal, they will perform further tests to determine if there have been changes in the optic nerve that may indicate glaucoma.  If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your eye doctor will closely monitor its progress during regularly scheduled visits.

Glaucoma Treatment in Lafayette, LA

Treatment for glaucoma is designed to lower your eye pressure, improve fluid drainage, or reduce fluid production. It is important to note that damage from the disease is irreversible, but when caught early, you can typically avoid severe vision loss.

Eye Drops

Eye drops are the most common method of controlling the progression of glaucoma. Taken one to four times daily, these medications help decrease eye pressure.  Pills may also be prescribed along with these eye drops. To ensure you are getting the most out of your treatment, please follow your doctor’s instructions as discussed with you.

Laser Therapy | Glaucoma Surgery

  • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is used to treat open angle glaucoma. SLT uses very low energy levels to treat parts of the eye’s drainage system, called the trabecular meshwork. This procedure helps enhance drainage of fluid, which in turn reduces the eye pressure.
  • Laser Iridotomy is used for the immediate treatment of an angle-closure glaucoma attack, or for those who are at risk of developing one. The procedure involves advanced laser technology to create a tiny hole in your iris. This creates a passage for the excess fluid to drain, relieving the dangerous eye pressure.
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