Glaucoma Treatment Is Available At Sylvan Eye Associates
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss or blindness. It is highly recommended by our eye doctors that you have regular eye checkups so we can detect any early signs of glaucoma before it becomes worse. The expertise of our optometrists and ophthalmologists at Sylvan Eye Associates in Modesto, CA, can let you know if glaucoma is developing in your eyes and can help you get the treatment you need to save your vision.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is created by excess pressure inside the eye. This extra pressure can put stress on your optic nerve. Since the optic nerve carries visual information to the brain to be interpreted, any damage to it can hamper your vision and lead to blindness. Regular visits to the eye doctor are vital to detect early warning signs of glaucoma.
Causes of Glaucoma
Treatment of any health condition is based on the cause of the ailment. Below are common causes of glaucoma:
- Hereditary: Some people will inherit glaucoma if it runs in their families.
- Eye's Inability to Regulate Pressure: Your eyes have mechanisms in place to keep its internal pressure regulated. If these mechanisms are defective or become blocked, then pressure can build up within your eye, causing glaucoma to occur.
- Age: As we grow older, some of our systems can begin to deteriorate. In some people, the optic nerve may start to degenerate as they age.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
Your glaucoma treatment may start with eye drops. Prescription eye drops are designed to reduce the pressure within your eyes. They will either enhance your eye's ability to drain fluids or decrease the amount of fluids your eye produces. If eye drops alone are not reducing your eye pressure, then you may be prescribed an oral medication in addition to the eye drops.
In the front center of your eye is a drainage passage known as the trabecular meshwork. If it becomes clogged, then surgical measures may need to be taken. Laser surgery can open up clogged channels in this meshwork or remove a part of it. Another surgery may be necessary to put in small drainage tubes to aid with the eyes' ability to remove fluids.
In severe cases, other surgical measures may need to be taken to relieve the pressure in your eye. Your ophthalmologist, an eye doctor with a medical degree and who can perform surgeries, will discuss your options with you.
Premium Glaucoma Treatment Provided by Our Optometrists and Ophthalmologists in Modesto
At Sylvan Eye Associate, we offer professional and comprehensive care for all our patients in Modesto and surrounding areas. We have on staff two general ophthalmologists, four optometrists, one ocular-plastics ophthalmologist, one glaucoma specialist, and one low vision specialist. Our eye doctors can detect and treat glaucoma and any other eye issue you are experiencing. Set up an appointment with us today by calling (209) 575-2020.