Glaucoma Detection and Medical Treatment in Manlius and Syracuse, NY

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Glaucoma is a common ocular disease, especially among older individuals. While it displays no symptoms at first, untreated glaucoma can lead to vision loss. At Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., we prevent complications with glaucoma treatment available at locations in Manlius and Syracuse, New York. Learn more about the condition and how our team uses the latest advancements in medical technology to help patients find relief.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma occurs when fluid in the eye stops draining properly, causing fluid buildup and rising pressure inside the eye. The eye constantly produces a fluid known as aqueous humor, which keeps the eye hydrated and inflated, allowing for proper eye function. As new aqueous humor is produced, the same quantity drains out through a part of the eye called the drainage angle.

There are two primary types of glaucoma depending on what causes the blockage, including:

• Open-angle glaucoma: This type occurs when the drainage becomes partially clogged. Fluid buildup occurs gradually, causing a slow onset of symptoms.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: This type occurs when the iris is very close to the drainage angle, creating a full blockage. Eye pressure rises quickly, causing an acute attack.

Over time, eye pressure caused by glaucoma may damage the optic nerve. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent permanent vision loss.

Who Is at Risk of Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma. However, the condition is most common in people who match one or more of the following risk factors:

 

• Over age 55
• African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
• Severely farsighted or nearsighted
• Previous eye injuries
• Long-term steroid medication use
• Thin corneas
• Thin optic nerves
• Diabetes, migraines, or high blood pressure
• Family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma Symptoms

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma develop slowly, and it causes no vision changes at first. Gradually, patchy blind spots begin to appear in the side or peripheral vision. Later, patients may have difficulty seeing things in their central vision.

In contrast, symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma can come on suddenly. Patients may experience:

• Blurry vision
• Severe eye pain
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Colorful rings or halos around lights
• Red eyes

Glaucoma Detection

The doctors at Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C. check for glaucoma as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This procedure is straightforward and painless. The doctor gives the patient eye drops to dilate (widen) the pupil, before performing a series of tests that include:

• Measuring eye pressure
• Inspecting the drainage angle
• Examining the optic nerve for damage
• Checking for vision changes
• Measuring the thickness of the cornea

Because glaucoma shows no symptoms in early stages, it can be difficult to detect early. Regular eye exams are crucial to help eye doctors detect the disease before the patient begins to lose vision. Patients at risk should consider more frequent examinations.

Glaucoma Treatment

Damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. If the disease is detected in its early stages, however, the following treatments may be used to prevent further damage:

Eye Drops

Most glaucoma treatments begin with eye drop medications. Depending on the prescription, eye drops may reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage. Others work by decreasing the amount of aqueous humor the eye produces. One or both types may be prescribed depending on the condition’s severity.

Laser Treatment

If eye drops are ineffective, the eye doctor may recommend laser treatment. This procedure uses a small laser to adjust the tissue surrounding the drainage angle, improving the eye’s drainage capabilities. It may take a few weeks before this treatment takes full effect, but the results are permanent.

Surgery

Several types of surgery may be used to treat glaucoma. Trabeculectomy creates a tiny hole in the top of the eye, allowing fluid to drain. Glaucoma implant surgery places tiny tubes to aid drainage. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques may be used to allow a faster recovery.