Glaucoma Specialists & Surgery in Lakewood, CO
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Most people with this eye condition do not realize they have it until they start experiencing vision changes or develop significant vision loss.
Are you looking for a glaucoma specialist in Lakewood? Denver Vision provides a full range of medical eye care services. With our extensive background in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, our team of specialists can help you get an early diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment. Book an appointment with us today.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that can result in vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma is caused by pressure buildup inside one or both of your eyes. When the natural fluid in your eye doesn’t drain properly, a buildup of the fluid presses against the optic nerve, causing damage. As a result of the fluid accumulation, intraocular pressure inside the eye gradually rises while pressing against the optic nerve, compressing it and eventually resulting in irreversible damage.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Early on, glaucoma is asymptomatic. When most glaucoma patients start to notice symptoms, it is often at an advanced stage, which means that the optic nerve has been seriously damaged. Glaucoma symptoms must be detected early on to prevent long-term vision loss. Since glaucoma has no early symptoms, it should be checked for routinely during eye exams.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is usually caused by pressure buildup inside one or both of your eyes. There are several types of glaucoma. However, the following are the most common:
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma typically develops over a long time. Gradual pressure buildup in the eye causes a loss of peripheral vision, followed by the loss of central vision due to continued damage to the optic nerve.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a sudden buildup of pressure within the eye resulting in an abrupt onset of eye pain, blurred vision, tearing, and a severe headache in patients. It is considered an emergency that requires prompt medical attention.
- Inheritance: People from a family with a history of glaucoma may inherit the disease.
- Chronic Eye Conditions: Glaucoma can result from eye conditions like tumors and chronic inflammation.
- Eye Injury and Trauma: Glaucoma can develop as a result of severe trauma to the eye, such as being hit in the eye.
- Age: Glaucoma is more prevalent among older adults, although it can also affect younger persons.
- Medical Conditions: Having a medical condition like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease increases the likelihood of one contracting the disease.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Glaucoma Available from Denver Vision
To diagnose glaucoma, our specialists carry out a series of comprehensive eye exams and testing. Glaucoma is diagnosed by measuring eye pressure, corneal thickness, visual field-testing, and optic nerve examination through specialized imaging procedures. An Ocular Coherence Tomographer (OCT) is used to perform computer imaging on the tissue directly affected by glaucoma.
Treatment options
Glaucoma treatment aims to reduce pressure in the eye and slow disease progression. Some of the treatments options for glaucoma include:
- Glaucoma Medication – Prescription eye drops and pills are commonly used.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – This procedure is used to lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients initially diagnosed with glaucoma.
- Laser Eye Surgery – A simple laser procedure that uses a Yag iridotomy to reduce eye pressure and remove fluids from the eye.
- Traditional Glaucoma Surgery – A surgical procedure is carried out to drain fluid from the eye and lower eye pressure.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery – In this treatment procedure, a specialized microscopic device is used to control eye pressure without the risks of complications that come with conventional glaucoma surgery.
Set an Appointment Today in Lakewood, CO with Denver Vision
Do you need help with vision problems and looking for a glaucoma specialist in Lakewood, CO? Look no further than Denver Vision. Our glaucoma specialists will work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Contact Denver Vision today to request an appointment.
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