Glaucoma Care
We detect glaucoma early and provide treatment to help preserve vision.
The second leading cause of blindness in the U.S.
Glaucoma: Overview
More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are actually aware that this “silent thief” is slowly stealing away their vision, sometimes without any symptoms.
What is glaucoma?
The eye has about one million tiny nerve fibers that carry visual information from the back of the eye to the brain. Glaucoma destroys these nerve fibers. It was once thought that the destruction of these fibers was due to high pressure within the eye, but we now know that even patients with normal eye pressure can have glaucoma and experience loss of this important nerve function.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Because early detection is so important to limiting the vision loss associated with glaucoma, regular eye examinations are recommended. Elevated pressure within the eye and other indicators of glaucoma, such as optic nerve damage, can be detected only by a thorough examination. At Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, we offer advanced state-of-the-art computerized evaluation techniques to detect early signs of optic nerve damage and peripheral vision loss associated with glaucoma.
Glaucoma: Description
Types of Glaucoma
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States. It develops slowly and painlessly over time, often without any noticeable symptoms. In POAG, the drainage angle of the eye appears open, but the fluid inside the eye does not drain as efficiently as it should. This causes a gradual increase in eye pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Because the early stages of POAG are symptom-free, many people are unaware they have it until significant peripheral vision loss occurs—making routine eye exams vital for early detection.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG)
Angle-Closure Glaucoma is less common but far more dangerous because it can progress rapidly. This condition occurs when the iris (the colored part of the eye) bulges forward and completely blocks the drainage angle, preventing fluid from leaving the eye. The result is a sudden and severe spike in eye pressure, which can cause permanent vision loss in a short amount of time.
Symptoms to watch for include: sudden and intense eye pain, blurred vision, eye redness, severe headaches, halos around lights, and nausea or vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately—this is a medical emergency.
How is glaucoma treated?
Although there currently is no cure for glaucoma, there are several effective treatment options to slow or halt progression of this disease:
- Medication, usually in the form of eye drops, can help to relieve pressure within the eye.
- Interventional Glaucoma Surgery (IGS) offers a gentle, modern way to help lower eye pressure for people with open‑angle glaucoma. One of the newest options now available at Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center is iDose TR, a tiny implant designed to slowly release glaucoma medication inside the eye over a long period of time. Because the medication is delivered continuously, patients can experience dropless glaucoma management, meaning far less dependence on daily eye drops. This small implant is placed during a quick outpatient procedure and provides steady, reliable pressure control with strong safety and comfort. For many patients, IGS with iDose TR offers an easier, more convenient way to stay on top of glaucoma treatment while protecting long‑term vision.
- Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is an option designed to reduce intraocular pressure in those with certain types of glaucoma without resorting to traditional surgery. One of the most promising new developments in glaucoma treatment, MIGS is a term applied to a range of gentle procedures developed to lower eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma using microscopic equipment and tiny incisions. MIGS can greatly decrease the need for glaucoma medications and slow disease progression. MIGS may also be performed at the same time as cataract surgery, allowing many to achieve clearer vision and decrease IOP in one convenient procedure. Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center performs several types of MIGS: iStent, Ahmed Shunt, Kahook Dual Blade, and Xen Gel Stent.
- A trabeculectomy can be performed to alter the eye’s drainage system if they cannot be improved by treatment with medicated eye drops and/or laser therapy.
- Laser surgery makes it possible to improve the underlying condition that contributes to elevation of pressure within the eye. Open-angle glaucoma can be treated with SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), and a peripheral iridotomy procedure can be performed to treat closed-angle glaucoma.
Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
iStent Patient Education Video
Am I at risk for glaucoma?
Glaucoma typically affects people over the age of 40, but it can occur at any age. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, but some groups are at higher risk than others. People age 65 or older, family members of those already diagnosed with glaucoma, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, diabetics, and those who are nearsighted or who have suffered severe injury to the eye are all at elevated risk. Cataract formation is another risk factor. Again, early detection is the key to slowing or halting the progression of this disease. If you have any of these risk factors, a thorough eye examination to evaluate for glaucoma is recommended.
Can I prevent glaucoma?
No, but regular eye exams can make it possible to prevent much of the vision loss caused by glaucoma. Our doctors are among the area’s most experienced glaucoma specialists. At Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, we are dedicated to providing the most advanced techniques and equipment to help preserve the vision you need to live life on your terms.
