Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure from the fluid inside the eye becomes too high. This results in lost vision starting at the periphery (outside), and spreads to the central vision. There are many different types of glaucoma, each with different treatments. More than 2.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and approximately 2 million Americans are undiagnosed.
The most common type of glaucoma, in older patients, is open-angle. It’s very important to have annual eye exams because there are not any symptoms during the early stages of glaucoma. During the exam, the eye pressure will be accurately measured, and if necessary, other tests will be performed. A visual field test can show any loss of peripheral vision, and laser mapping of the optic nerve can be used to detect injury from pressure.
Treatment:
Two main types of eyedrops are used to treat glaucoma. One type allows the intraocular fluid to be absorbed more rapidly into the blood stream. The other type slows the formation of the intraocular fluid.
Dr. Campbell also treats glaucoma with an S.L.T. Laser, which is a new laser developed specifically for glaucoma. This laser opens the drainage channels of the eye, lowering the eye pressure. This treatment only takes a few minutes in Dr. Campbell's office. The advantage of the laser is that the results last for years, and the laser treatment spares the patient the expense and side effects of eye drops.
Narrow-angle glaucoma requires a different treatment than open-angle glaucoma. For patients with narrow angle glaucoma, a laser can be used to prevent an "attack" when the eye pressure becomes dangerously high in an extremely short period of time. The procedure for treating narrow-angle glaucoma is called an Iridotomy.