Glaucoma

Our Approach

Franciscan Health ophthalmologists (eye specialists) perform a complete eye exam to find the cause of eye pain or hazy or tunnel vision. If tests show increased eye pressure due to glaucoma, we offer several treatment options.

For some, medications or eyedrops relieve the pressure. We treat other cases with minimally invasive outpatient laser surgery to stop glaucoma and prevent additional vision loss.

How is glaucoma treated?

Your doctor can use a simple laser treatment to improve drainage and relieve eye pressure. Treatment for glaucoma may prevent further vision loss, which is why screening and early detection matter so much. Glaucoma treatment may include:

• Eyedrops: Medicated eyedrops can lower pressure in the eye.
• Medication: Medicine delivered orally (as a pill) or intravenously (IV) can relieve eye pressure.
• Surgery: Specialized treatment, including laser surgery, can remove tissue buildup and eliminate pressure. Find out more about glaucoma treatment.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that involve increasing damage to the optic nerve. This nerve connects the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve causes blind or fuzzy spots in the peripheral vision.

Advanced glaucoma can lead to permanently blurred vision or blindness. In fact, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. It affects more than 3 million Americans.

Types of glaucoma

Several types of glaucoma may occur in adults. The most frequent type, open-angle glaucoma, results from improper drainage of fluid in the eye. In another type, angle-closure glaucoma, the fluid becomes blocked.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) diagnoses glaucoma using a painless technique to measure the pressure in your eyes. The ophthalmologist will also examine the interior of your eyes to detect damage to the optic (vision) nerve. You'll also have tests to measure your range of vision and peripheral (side) vision. These tests to diagnose or rule out glaucoma may include:

• Visual acuity test: You will read an eye chart to check the clarity of your vision.
• Slit-lamp examination: Your doctor uses a light and magnification to view inside your eye.
• Retinal examination: Your doctor uses drops or specialized equipment to dilate your eyes and view the interior of the eye. The exam will reveal the extent of your vision loss.

Early detection of glaucoma is important because treatment may prevent additional vision loss. Having regular eye exams is the best way to watch for any changes in your eyes.

What causes glaucoma?

In glaucoma, increased eye pressure builds up when the clear fluid in the eye doesn't drain properly. It is possible to develop glaucoma even if your eye pressure is normal. Glaucoma usually occurs in both eyes, although it may affect one eye more seriously than the other.

Glaucoma is more commonly found in people older than 35 years of age. People at higher risk of developing glaucoma include those who:

• Are Black
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Have diabetes
• Take anti-inflammatory medication
• Have had a serious eye injury

Glaucoma symptoms

Most people with glaucoma don't notice any symptoms until they lose some of their peripheral vision. Half of those with glaucoma are unaware they have it because the condition causes no pain or visual changes in its early stages.

If you do have signs and symptoms of glaucoma, they may include:

• Eye pain or redness
• Hazy vision in one or both eyes
• Seeing halos around lights
• Narrowing field of vision (tunnel vision)