Early Detection Can Minimize the Effects of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight because there are no noticeable signs in the earliest, most treatable stages. Once you have suffered vision loss, there is no way to reverse the damage. Early detection is the best way to save your vision. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you are also at an increased risk.
At Progressive Eye Care, we encourage all patients to visit our office in South Jordan, UT, for a comprehensive exam. Drs. Jeff Broadhead, Michael T. Chism, and Francis J. Wapner offer diagnosis and glaucoma treatment to preserve patients' vision and quality of life.
Your Initial Consultation
We screen for glaucoma during every comprehensive vision and eye health exam at our office. During this appointment, we will closely examine your eyes, check their pressure, and conduct digital imaging of your optic nerve. Both high pressure and damage to the optic nerve may be indicators of glaucoma.
Additional Advanced Testing
If one of our doctors determines that there is a risk of glaucoma, we will schedule one to two additional visits to perform:
- Visual field testing
- Additional photographs of the optic nerve
- Assessment of corneal thickness
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, which evaluates the optic nerve and ganglion cell layer of the retina
An OCT scan is considered one of the best methods for the urgent detection of glaucoma. Our office uses the iVue Spectral Domain OCT to scan the structures of the eye, resulting in high-resolution images similar to those of a CT scan. Thanks to this advanced technology, we can examine your retina, optic nerve, and cornea with stunning detail.
We check for glaucoma during every comprehensive eye exam in order to protect our patients' vision.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Our doctors offer several treatment options to minimize the effects of glaucoma at varying stages of progression. We know that time is of the essence. Rather than refer you outside our office, we have a surgeon on our team who can perform more advanced treatment for the patients who require it.
Medication
One of our initial treatment options will involve lowering your eye pressure using medicated eye drops.
Laser Therapy
If medication proves insufficient, our eye surgeon may be able to perform laser surgery to open blocked fluid channels, allowing your eye to drain properly and lowering your eye pressure. Most laser surgeries involve minimal discomfort, and patients are usually able to return to their normal activities soon after the procedure.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
iStent® therapy is a minimally invasive surgery designed to control eye pressure. This device creates a permanent bypass between the front of your eye and the drainage pathway, allowing fluid to exit the eye more quickly. This procedure can be performed by our surgeon for glaucoma patients at the same time as cataract surgery.
Life After Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is not cured in one day and treatment requires patient compliance in order to be effective. As patients with a family history have an increased risk of glaucoma, you should inform your family of your diagnosis and encourage them to undergo testing. Based on the success of your treatment, our doctors will create a long-term plan to effectively manage the progression of your disease.
Protect Your Eyesight
Regular exams are integral to protect our patients' vision and independence. Glaucoma can have serious effects but it is generally a treatable condition. To schedule your visit to our office, call Progressive Eye Care at (801) 676-2020 or request your appointment online.
