Glaucoma Specialist

Glaucoma is a degenerative eye condition that can eventually destroy a person's vision if it’s not treated. In most cases, people don’t even know they have glaucoma until the symptoms begin to cause some degree of vision loss. There’s no known cure for glaucoma and, left untreated, it can eventually result in total blindness. In the United States, glaucoma is the number 1 cause of blindness and vision loss. When pressure inside the eye begins to build, it dramatically increases a person's chance of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma isn’t painful and the most common indication that the condition is present is the loss of peripheral vision.

Ophthalmologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma will often prescribe eye drops or prescription medications to help reduce the pressure in the eye and control the advancement of the condition. Both conventional and laser surgeries are used to help drain away excess fluids that begin to collect within the eye. Individuals who have lost some of their vision may still benefit from certain aspects of treatment. The doctor may have treatment options or devices that can help to restore at least a small portion of a person's vision.

Although glaucoma can be diagnosed in almost anyone, there are certain groups who are more likely to have the condition. African Americans who are over 40 years of age are known to be susceptible to the condition. Any individual over the age of 60 is also at an increased risk, regardless of ethnic background. Small children can also be born with cataracts. Individuals who have a medical history that includes glaucoma or other eye conditions may also increase a person's overall risk. If a person has several family members who have been diagnosed with glaucoma, they should be checked as often as recommended to ensure the condition is caught in its earliest stages.