What is Glaucoma?
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Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated this disease can destroy the optic nerve leading to permanent loss of vision and complete blindness. Glaucoma usually involves the build-up of excessive fluid pressure in the eye. The disease is usually painless and vision changes are difficult to notice in the early stages. Glaucoma can occur at any age but most commonly occurs above the age of 65. If you have a family member that has the disease your risk of developing the disease is greater.
How is glaucoma detected?
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A thorough eye exam is necessary to diagnose glaucoma. Because the disease is painless close monitoring is necessary to prevent glaucoma vision damage. The eye examination for glaucoma may include specialized testing that evaluates the optic nerve and assessment of any peripheral vision loss. Instruments such as the Zeiss OCT Nerve Fiber analyzer and the Zeiss Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer perform these tests without any contact or discomfort to the patient's eyes.
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Zeiss Cirrus HD OCT Retinal Imaging
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Zeiss Cirrus HD OCT Retinal Imaging for early detection of retinal disease. With this state-of-the-art instrument the physicians at Chenango Eye Associates are able to detect glaucoma years before the symptoms become apparent to the patient and are able to detect even the smallest changes over time.
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How is glaucoma treated?
Treatment for glaucoma can generally prevent loss of vision. Eye drops are usually prescribed to control the fluid pressure in the eye. If the patient does not respond well to medications, laser treatment may be necessary. Chenango Eye Associates is able to perform these procedures at our Norwich facility in our laser suite. Patients not responding to medications or laser may have to undergo surgery in an outpatient operation.