Hello and welcome back to the Sweeney Eye Associates’ blog! As your trusted eye care experts in Richardson and Sunnyvale, TX, we’re dedicated to providing the knowledge you need to keep your eyes healthy. Today, we’re focusing on a crucial topic: glaucoma and its treatment options.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye and can lead to vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. Unfortunately, the most common type, open-angle glaucoma, often has no signs or symptoms apart from gradual vision loss. This makes regular eye exams critically important, especially as you age, to detect the condition early.
At Sweeney Eye Associates, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for glaucoma, tailored to your specific needs. The goal of these treatments is to reduce the pressure in your eye and prevent damage to your optic nerve.
1. Medications: These usually come in the form of eye drops and sometimes pills, and they aim to reduce the pressure in your eyes. It’s important to use these as prescribed, even if you don’t notice any vision problems.
2. Laser therapy: This is often used when medications aren’t sufficient or suitable. The two main types are trabeculoplasty, which helps drain fluid from your eye, and iridotomy, where a tiny hole is made in your iris to allow fluid to drain more easily.
3. Surgery: When medications and laser therapies aren’t effective, surgical options may be considered. The goal is to improve the drainage of fluid within the eye, reducing the pressure. Procedures can include trabeculectomy, where a piece of tissue in the eye’s drainage angle is removed, and tube shunt surgery, where a small tube is inserted to help drain fluid from the eye.
The treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of your glaucoma, as well as your overall health. If you’re concerned about glaucoma or need to schedule a regular eye examination, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team at Sweeney Eye Associates. Your vision is our top priority.
