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Glaucoma Center

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.

What is Glaucoma?

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.

Types of Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma

The majority of cases are open-angle glaucoma. This is caused by a blockage in the trabecular meshwork.

Angle-closure glaucoma

Considered a medical emergency and caused by the iris blocking part of the angle of the eye.

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma is caused by the anatomical angle of the eye that collects fluid.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma is caused by injury, disease or a complication of prior eye surgery.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

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.

Symptoms of Later Stage Open-Angle Glaucoma

  • Night vision difficulties
  • Blind spots in both eyes
  • Tunnel vision

Immediate Symptoms of Angle-Closure Glaucoma

  • Blurred vision
  • Severe eye pain and headache
  • Nausea
  • Halos around lights
  • Age over 60
  • Parents, or especially siblings with glaucoma
  • A high intraocular pressure
  • Health issues such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure
  • Eye injury/trauma
  • Prior eye surgery
  • Race (African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Alaskans and Japanese are at higher risk)

There is no cure for glaucoma. However, when treated as early as possible, the condition can be controlled to protect your vision. The effectiveness of glaucoma treatment methods must be regularly monitored to ensure that your eye pressure remains in an acceptable range. If you have not had an eye exam in a while, schedule one today. It may be the best defense you have for protecting your vision.

A Difference You Can See

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.

Laser trabeculoplasty (ALT or SLT)

A laser is used to clear the blocked drainage channels of the eye by directly treating the trabecular meshwork.

iStent© Trabecular Micro-Bypass

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.

Trabeculectomy

An artificial channel (fistula) is created in the sclera allowing fluid to flow out of the eye by a new pathway.

Shunts

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.

Iridotomy

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.

Cataract Surgery

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.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about glaucoma treatment in Carlsbad, California, contact us today.

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(760) 758-2008

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Serving North San Diego County

Oceanside

3637 Vista Way
Oceanside, CA 92056

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