Your eyes are our focus. At Orlando North Eye Clinic, we want you to be educated and involved in your eye health and treatment plan. We have put together this resource just for you to help you understand what to expect.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can affect your eyes and lead to progressive vision loss. Glaucoma is also known as “the silent thief of sight,” because many people with glaucoma do not know they have it until they start having vision problems.
This is usually due to an increase in eye pressure, referred to as intraocular pressure. This elevated eye pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve can stop the eye image from being transmitted to the brain leading to loss of vision. Often this damage happens gradually without causing any noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
The only way to detect glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye exam and specialized ocular testing. At Orlando North Eye Clinic, we have a board certified ophthalmologist who completed additional fellowship training in Glaucoma. When you visit Dr. Sheraly at the Orlando North Eye Clinic, we will help you with either a visual field test or an eye exam.
Types of Glaucoma
There are several forms of glaucoma, but are broadly divided into two main types based on the anatomy of the eye. These two forms are Open-Angle Glaucoma (the more common form), and Closed Angle Glaucoma.
In Open Angle Glaucoma, access to the eye’s natural drainage tube is wide open, but the drainage tube is damaged. As such, fluid is restricted from exiting the eye and results in high eye pressure. This chronic elevation in pressure often causes slow damage to the optic nerve leading to vision loss.
In Narrow Angle Glaucoma, access to the eye’s natural drainage system is physically blocked so fluid cannot exit the eye. When this happens, it also leads to higher pressures but happens over a shorter period of time. Because it happens so quickly, the eye pressure often spikes very high and can lead to painful vision loss.
Book your free consultation!
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services and team, book a free consultation today.
What are some common symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma usually has no pain or other visible signs until it has progressed considerably.
Late stage symptoms of the disease may include:
- gradual loss of peripheral vision
- headaches
- nausea
- vomiting
- halos around lights
How do we diagnose Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can only be diagnosed with certainty through a complete eye exam. At Orlando North Eye Clinic, we employ the latest advanced diagnostic technology to help diagnose all forms of glaucoma. However, technology alone is not sufficient. You also need a skilled eye doctor to interpret and analyze these tests. At Orlando North Eye Clinic, we have a board certified ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained in glaucoma.
When you visit Dr Sheraly will perform one or more of the following items to assist in diagnosing Glaucoma
- detailed medical and family history
- detailed eye exam
- peripheral vision test also known as a visual field
- measurement of the optic nerve and macula
- photography of the optic nerve
- measurement of the cornea, know as pachymetry
These tests will be performed on a routine basis based on a treatment plan that you and your doctor discuss and based on the medical guideline for glaucoma treatment.
Book your free consultation!
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services and team, book a free consultation today.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, there are different treatment options. Together, you review these options with your doctor and together you discuss an appropriate treatment plan. Each option will depend on the type and severity of glaucoma present.
At Orlando North Eye Clinic, your vision is our focus. Come experience personalized eye care where you are our focus. Let Dr. Sheraly answer your question and guide you through the process to protect your vision. Call today to make an appointment with him.