Just like other parts of your body, your eyes are constantly changing. And just like certain medical conditions can remain undiagnosed, not all vision problems have outward symptoms in the early stages. Glaucoma is often called the Silent Thief of Sight because slow, progressive damage to your optic nerve can be occurring without your knowledge.
The only way to stay on top of these hidden vision dangers is by having regular eye exams. Dr. Robert Pendleton provides expert glaucoma diagnosis and treatment options to help manage this condition.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that ultimately damage the optic nerve and disrupt the transmission of information from the eye to the brain.
When there is an increase of fluid pressure in the eye (glaucoma) – due to an overproduction of fluid or due to a blockage of the drainage system of the eye – the upsurge of intraocular pressure can literally crush the sensitive optic nerve.
This level of damage to the optic nerve can lead to irreversible, permanent vision loss. This can be a gradual process or a sudden one, depending on the type of glaucoma.
The majority of cases are open-angle glaucoma. This is caused by a blockage in the trabecular meshwork.
Considered a medical emergency and caused by the iris blocking part of the angle of the eye.
Congenital glaucoma is caused by the anatomical angle of the eye that collects fluid.
Secondary glaucoma is caused by injury, disease or a complication of prior eye surgery.
An estimated 3 million Americans have glaucoma; however, without regular eye exams, this condition can remain undiagnosed and silently stealing your sight. The minute you experience a symptom of glaucoma, permanent damage may already be done. This is because with most types of glaucoma, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages.
Dr. Pendleton will ask about your hobbies to ensure you are not putting your vision at risk when you have glaucoma. Dr. Robert Pendleton will assess the root cause of your eye pressure problems in order to recommend the proper treatment or combination of treatments. The methods listed below will treat the open-angle type of glaucoma which accounts for 95% of all glaucoma cases.
A laser is used to clear the blocked drainage channels of the eye by directly treating the trabecular meshwork.
A miniature device (stent) that can be implanted into the trabecular meshwork to improve the natural outflow of fluid. The iStent is the prototype of a new family of treatments called Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or MIGS.
An artificial channel (fistula) is created in the sclera allowing fluid to flow out of the eye by a new pathway.
A flexible tube is inserted into the drainage area of the eye, through the sclera to allow fluid to flow out by a new pathway.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency because the rise in eye pressure is very sudden. Dr. Pendleton uses a special surgical technique for this condition.
A laser is used to create a hole in the iris to allow fluid to properly escape into the drainage angle. Iridotomy can be performed prophylactically to prevent angle closure when the angle is narrow.
The definitive treatment for narrow angles and narrow-angle glaucoma. Unless scarring of the angle has occurred, removing the lens opens the angle to its widest extent and is curative.
The only way to know what type of treatment is most appropriate to lower your eye pressure and save your vision is by scheduling an eye exam with us. We will properly diagnose your condition and discuss the treatment options with you.
To learn more about glaucoma treatment in Carlsbad, California, contact us today.
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