Glaucoma Treatment in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral & Bonita Springs
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can damage the optic nerve, causing permanent vision loss. While increased pressure inside the eye is a common risk factor, glaucoma can develop even when eye pressure is within a normal range.
An increase in the amount of aqueous humor (fluid) in the eye can indicate a problem. Either the eye is producing too much, or it’s not draining properly. Certain medical disorders, such as diabetes, may also contribute to glaucoma. This condition can result in decreased peripheral (side-to-side) vision and eventually blindness.
Who Is Most Likely to Get Glaucoma?
(Click to View)Who Is Most Likely to Get Glaucoma?
Anyone can have glaucoma because the condition has several forms. However, certain ethnic backgrounds, such as African Americans, are significantly more likely to develop glaucoma than people of European descent.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
(Click to View)What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often known as the “silent thief” because it typically develops without noticeable warning signs. Most people don’t realize they have glaucoma until permanent vision damage has already occurred.
Glaucoma gradually reduces peripheral, or side-to-side, vision over time. Regular eye exams are important for detecting glaucoma early and helping protect your vision.
How Is Glaucoma Detected?
(Click to View)How Is Glaucoma Detected?
A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine whether or not you have glaucoma. People with higher risk factors should see their eye doctor more frequently to have their intraocular pressure checked.
Glaucoma can also be detected through visual field testing. This test will map your vision and determine if any points in your field of vision are missing.
Snead Eye Group – Glaucoma Treatments in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral & Bonita Springs
Glaucoma Treatment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
There’s currently no cure for glaucoma, but treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing and protect your remaining vision. The best glaucoma treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Various types of glaucoma may require different treatment plans, including the iStent and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing glaucoma and reducing the risk of permanent vision loss. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs, which could range from medicated eye drops or pills for milder cases to surgical intervention for more severe cases.
What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is a laser-based procedure that successfully lowers intraocular pressure. SLT is repeatable, non-invasive and does not result in any major side effects. Hundreds of thousands of patients have already gained relief from this non-invasive, gentle procedure.
SLT is a form of laser surgery that is used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. It is used when eye drop medications are not reducing the eye pressure enough or are causing significant side effects. It may sometimes be used as an initial glaucoma treatment.
Patients who have open-angle glaucoma (the drainage system in the front part of the eye is open) and are in need of lowering their intraocular pressure (IOP) are eligible for the procedure. Your eye doctor will make the final determination if you are a candidate.
What is Ahmed Shunt Glaucoma Treatment?
An Ahmed Shunt is a surgical treatment for glaucoma that helps lower pressure inside the eye when other treatments have not provided sufficient results. During the procedure, a small shunt or tube is implanted inside the eye to help divert fluid into an external reservoir, reducing pressure buildup.
The shunt is made of materials that will not break down in the body and are, therefore, safe for a long-term solution.
Candidates for this procedure commonly have not had great success with other treatments, such as trabeculectomy. Determining the necessary treatment for your glaucoma is an important decision and one for which you should seek the advice of your ophthalmologist.
What is iStent Glaucoma Treatment?
The iStent is a tiny titanium implant used to help lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma by improving the eye's natural fluid drainage.
Approved by the FDA in July of 2012, the GLAUKOS iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent, the world’s smallest medical device, provides a long-term, non-medicinal treatment for patients suffering from Open-Angle Glaucoma.
“The iStent is truly a breakthrough for patients suffering from open-angle glaucoma, especially for those suffering from cataracts as well,” said Dr. Brad Snead. “The iStent is minimally invasive because it is implemented through the same tiny incision used during cataract surgery. Even more exciting is that many patients who choose the iStent have a reduction in the number of medicines and other treatments to keep the intraocular pressure under control.”
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With the expertise of our eye doctors, we provide accurate, targeted treatment to preserve and enhance your vision.
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It’s our mission to offer compassionate, personalized care. Your eye health is at the heart of everything we do.
