What is Glaucoma & Why It Matters
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often due to fluid buildup that increases eye pressure, leading to gradual visual loss. Known as the ‘silent thief of sight,’ it can progress without symptoms, making regular check-ups essential.
Who’s At Risk?
Certain factors increase your risk of glaucoma, including:
Detecting Glaucoma – Your Path To Early Diagnosis
We believe in catching glaucoma before it catches you off-guard. Our diagnostic process is designed to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. Our testing includes:
- 1
Comprehensive Eye Exam
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your overall eye health. - 2
Tonometry
Using gentle and precise methods, we measure your eye pressure. - 3
Visual Field Test
We’ll map out your peripheral sight, to catch any signs of glaucoma that might be trying to sneak past, unnoticed. - 4
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
This advanced imaging captures detailed pictures of your optic nerve, all without discomfort. - 5
Pachymetry
This measures corneal thickness, which helps us interpret eye pressure results.
Our Medical Treatments
Our medical treatments are at the forefront of glaucoma care. We offer a range of personalized options designed to stabilize vision, reduce eye pressure, and protect your sight.
Eye Drops For Initial Glaucoma Treatment
Prescription eye drops are the first step in treating glaucoma. They reduce eye pressure by improving the outflow of drainage or decreasing fluid production in your eye. Common eye drop types:
Prostaglandins
Beta Blockers
Alpha Agonists
Oral Medications
Oral Medications
Oral medications can be prescribed to complement eye drops and enhance their effectiveness. They also work to lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production.
Laser Treatments for Glaucoma
Our laser treatments offer a minimally invasive option to managing and treating glaucoma. These procedures are quick, effective, and often performed right here in our Virginia Beach office.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
This laser treatment targets your eye’s drainage system, improving fluid drainage, reducing eye pressure.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy
This procedure creates a small opening in the iris to improve fluid flow in certain types of glaucoma, like narrow-angle.
Surgical Treatments for Glaucoma
When medications and laser treatments are not enough to control glaucoma, surgical options provide effective solutions to help manage eye pressure and protect your vision. We offer advanced surgical treatments tailored to your specific needs.
Trabeculectomy – What Does It Do?
Creates a new pathway for fluid to leave the eye, bypassing the natural drainage system. This reduces pressure, prevents further optic nerve damage and preserves vision.
Glaucoma Drainage Devices – What They Are
Small devices, such as tubes or shunts, are implanted to help drain excess fluid from the eye, providing a continuous outflow that maintains lower eye pressure over the long term.
Living Well With Glaucoma – Managing Your Eye Health
Living with glaucoma doesn’t mean you have to compromise your quality of life; with the right care, you can thrive and enjoy every moment. Our team is here to support you in proactively managing your condition. With regular check-ups and personalized treatment plans, you can maintain your vision and continue enjoying the activities you love.
Let’s work together to help you to live well with glaucoma and embrace a future of clear, vibrant sight!
