Glaucoma is an eye condition where a buildup of pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure, damages the optic nerve. The intraocular pressure, IOP, is caused by a build up of fluid within the eye. Typically the fluid drains out of the eye but when fluid is overproduced and drainage is blocked the eye pressure increases. The increase of pressure damages the optic nerve which is responsible for sending images to the brain. This damage causes blind spots and vision loss that is permanent.
Glaucoma is usually genetic and runs in families where it presents in older patients. It can progress so gradually that patients might not even notice the vision loss until they’re at an advanced stage. It is very important to get regular glaucoma screenings so that it can be diagnosed and treated early on. At Physician Eye Care Associations, Dr. Sherman uses the latest technology and medicine to help patients control and manage their glaucoma.
Open-angle Glaucoma
Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma
Screening for glaucoma involves a vision test, checking eye pressure, dilation, and examination of the optic nerve for signs of damage. Dr. Sherman will take photographs of your eye to check for changes at each of your visits. If we suspect glaucoma we will perform a comprehensive eye exam to examine the optic nerve to check the extent of the damage.
For mild cases of glaucoma the treatment is medicinal eye drops. The eye drops help to either increase the outflow of fluid or decrease the production of fluid to help reduce the intraocular pressure within the eye. Eye drops are very effective because they deliver the medicine directly to the eye which minimizes any side effects to the rest of the body.
Glaucoma can also be effectively treated by laser surgery which is minimally invasive. Laser surgery can be performed to improve the outflow of fluid by making the trabecular meshwork drainage system more accessible or to decrease the amount of fluid created. Laser surgery can be performed as the main treatment or in combination with eye drops.
Contact our team to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Sherman!