VCS offers Surgical Treatment for Glaucoma at Our Offices in Denver, CO and the surrounding areas
Glaucoma: Eyes under pressure!
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. In many cases, damage to the optic nerve is caused by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP). The eye is constantly making and circulating a clear aqueous humor that moves through drainage canals of the anterior chamber angle in the front of the eye near the iris. When this clear fluid is unable to escape, often due to a blockage, fluid builds in the eye and increases pressure on the optic nerve.
With most types of glaucoma, the first noticeable symptom of the disease is vision loss. However, in additional to an annual comprehensive eye examination your doctor may recommend an automated visual field test and an HRT (Humphrey Retinal Tomography) to help diagnose and monitor glaucoma before it gets to the vision loss stage. Once glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment and regular monitoring is imperative to prevent further vision loss. The physicians at Vision Care Specialists in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and Highlands Ranch have the expertise to diagnose and treat glaucoma. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physicians.
Treatment for the Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma; the most common are open-angle and angle-closure. Treatment for glaucoma depends on the type of glaucoma that has been diagnosed. In most cases, treatment is centered on lowering the IOP of the eye to relieve pressure on the optic nerve and encourage the normal circulation of aqueous fluid. This is achieved through medication including eye drops and pills, laser treatment, and surgery to clear a blockage or improve drainage.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common type of glaucoma, patients with open-angle glaucoma will exhibit no symptoms until they begin to gradually lose their peripheral vision. Though its cause is unknown, people with a higher risk of open-angle glaucoma include patients with a family history of open-angle glaucoma and certain ethnicities. Treatment for open angle glaucoma can vary from prescription eye drops and pills to traditional or laser surgery.
Angle Closure Glaucoma
Unlike open-angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma does exhibit symptoms, which include headaches, blurry vision and pain, and nausea. Angle closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage canals become blocked. Angle closure glaucoma is often treated surgically by removing tissue from the iris to unblock the drainage canals.
Learn More about the Treatments for Glaucoma, Including Surgery
Glaucoma is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can rob a patient of their site. As with most medical conditions, early treatment of glaucoma—from eye drops to surgery—is imperative to stave off vision loss and return IOP to normal. Contact Vision Care Specialists today to set up an appointment for a glaucoma screening at one of our offices in Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood.
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The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Vision Care Specialists is eager to provide premium eye care whether you seek LASIK refractive surgery, an updated contact lens prescription, or treatment for an eye condition. Conveniently located in downtown Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood, you can schedule an appointment to see an optometrist at a Vision Care Specialists office near you!
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