Glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure inside your eye becomes too high. If left untreated, this can cause damage to the optic nerve, which can result in permanent blindness. At Austin Eye, we check all of our patients for glaucoma as part of our comprehensive eye exams. In this post, our experienced eye doctors explain some of the common symptoms of and treatments for glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
People suffering from glaucoma often experience no symptoms other than a slow loss of vision. This is one reason why it’s so important to have regular eye exams, as your doctor can test you for glaucoma and provide a medical diagnosis before any permanent damage has occurred. Some people with glaucoma may experience blurred or distorted vision. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Treatments for Glaucoma
In order to effectively treat glaucoma, the eye pressure must be lowered to a more normal level. Medication eyedrops are commonly prescribed in this case, and they are highly effective at reducing intraocular pressure. The downside of this treatment is that the patient has to be vigilant about constantly purchasing and using their eyedrops. For patients that don’t want to bother with taking the eyedrops long-term, there are other options that can eliminate the need to take medication.
Surgical Treatment Options
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser surgery treatment for glaucoma. SLT provides long-term eye pressure control and reduces or eliminates the need for medicines to control glaucoma. This safe and effective treatment is covered by medical insurance, and patients can resume normal daily activities immediately after surgery.
Another innovative option for the treatment of glaucoma is the iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass. A tiny implant device provides a permanent opening for the eye’s natural drainage channel, which effectively controls eye pressure. This treatment has also been found to eliminate reliance on glaucoma medications for many patients.
Contact Austin Eye for Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
If you need to be checked for glaucoma or would like to learn more about your options for glaucoma surgery in Austin, contact the vision experts at Austin Eye. Schedule a one-on-one consultation today by calling (512) 250-2020.
