Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye associated with slow, progressive loss of peripheral vision. Although there are many types of glaucoma, "open angle glaucoma" is the most common. The most important risk factors include age, race, elevated eye pressure, family history of glaucoma, and other systemic health problems such as diabetes. Other types of glaucoma are less common, such as narrow angle glaucoma, and can be detected by a thorough eye examination. We consider many factors before deciding whether you need treatment for glaucoma, or whether you should be monitored closely as a glaucoma suspect. Our glaucoma evaluation includes measuring your intraocular pressure, the thickness of your cornea, and inspecting the drainage angle of your eye. We also evaluate whether or not there is any optic nerve damage, test the peripheral vision of each eye (visual field testing), and perform computerized imaging. The key to successful management is early detection and regular follow-up examination. Once diagnosed with glaucoma, therapy usually includes drops, but may also involve specialized glaucoma surgery, including laser.