Glaucoma Care & Management
Glaucoma is classified as an insidious eye disease because often times, it does not show any obvious or immediate symptoms. By the time you realize that you’ve suffered vision loss, the damage is permanent and pervasive – this is why annual eye exams are extremely important.
Bayside Eye Center optometrists are experts in detecting, treating, and formulating management plans for patients with glaucoma.
Glaucoma is categorized as damage to the optic nerve, the part of the visual system that carries information from your eyes to your brain.
It is often caused by ocular hypertension (IOP), a higher than normal pressure inside the eye that occurs when excess fluid in the front area of the eye builds and cannot properly drain. This causes pressure and damage to the eye’s optic nerve, often leading to irreversible peripheral vision loss.
However, glaucoma can also occur without high-pressure or IOP. Normal-tension glaucoma, also known as low-tension glaucoma, occurs when eye pressure is within a normal range and fluid is draining properly, however the is optic nerve is still damaged. While the reasons for this aren’t clear, it is thought that people who develop normal tension glaucoma may have an overly sensitive optic nerve or a compromised blood supply.
“The angle” refers to the area between the iris and the cornea where the fluid, which provides nutrition to the inner eye, maintaining pressure levels, drains out of the eye into the circulatory system.
The position of the angle is directly responsible for the type of glaucoma.
The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma means that the angle between the iris and cornea is large enough and thereby sufficient for proper drainage, however the drainage canals are blocked or too much fluid is being produced.
This type of glaucoma is asymptomatic until significant vision loss has occurred. As a result, the only way to detect it is through your annual eye exam, before any symptoms are presented.
Closed-angle, or narrow-angle glaucoma occurs suddenly when the angle between the iris and the cornea is not large enough to allow for proper fluid drainage. There are a few reasons this can occur, including:
Symptoms include excessive tearing, blurry vision, coupled with pain and nausea, all of which can form very rapidly. If you are experiencing these signs or symptoms, contact us or seek alternate medical attention immediately.
The most important strategies for dealing with glaucoma to prevent vision loss are awareness and early detection in the form of regular and consistent eye exams. It can’t be understated: once the optic nerve is damaged, vision cannot be restored.
However depending on the severity, type, and current stage of disease progression, treatment can include medicated eye drops, laser procedures, and minor surgical procedures. Our optometrists will thoroughly discuss all options with you.
Our location in downtown Punta Gorda makes your visit to the optometrist as convenient as possible. Our central location is easily accessible and we have parking available for all our patients. Find us across from the Herald Court Garage on the corner of Highway 41 Northbound and E Olympia Ave.
Bayside Eye Center
