Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma Care at Premier Florida Vision
Understanding Glaucoma: The “Silent Thief of Sight”
Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye diseases that damage the optic nerve—the critical pathway responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage most often results from increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). The buildup occurs when the eye’s natural fluid, called aqueous humor, cannot drain properly through its normal channels. Over time, this pressure can cause irreversible harm to the optic nerve, leading to gradual and permanent vision loss.
Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma typically develops without pain or early warning signs. Most patients do not notice vision loss until the disease is already advanced, making regular eye exams essential—particularly for adults over 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
At Premier Florida Vision, our ophthalmologists use the latest technology to diagnose and manage glaucoma in its earliest stages—before it steals your sight.
Types of Glaucoma
There are several distinct forms of glaucoma, each with different causes and characteristics:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, developing slowly and painlessly. Peripheral vision is affected first, often without noticeable symptoms until late in the disease.
- Angle-Closure (Closed-Angle) Glaucoma: Less common but more urgent, this form can cause a sudden spike in eye pressure, leading to severe pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision. It requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Even with normal eye pressure, optic nerve damage can occur—likely due to poor blood flow or fragile nerve tissue.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Caused by another eye condition or external factor such as injury, inflammation, steroid use, or tumors.
- Congenital Glaucoma: A rare but serious form that appears in infants or young children, often detected by cloudy corneas, light sensitivity, or excessive tearing.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Most glaucoma cases produce no noticeable symptoms early on. However, as the condition advances, you may experience:
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If you experience sudden eye pain or vision changes, seek emergency medical care immediately—these could be signs of an acute glaucoma attack.
How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed
Early detection is the key to preserving vision. At Premier Florida Vision, we use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to identify glaucoma long before noticeable symptoms appear:
- Tonometry – Measures intraocular pressure
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Produces high-resolution scans of the optic nerve and retinal layers
- Visual Field Testing – Detects areas of peripheral vision loss
- Gonioscopy – Examines the drainage angle inside the eye
- Pachymetry – Measures corneal thickness, which can influence pressure readings
These precise assessments allow our glaucoma specialists to tailor a treatment plan based on the type and severity of your condition.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend one or more of the following:
Eye drops are often the first line of defense, helping either to reduce fluid production or enhance drainage.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): Used for open-angle glaucoma to increase fluid outflow.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): Creates a small opening in the iris to relieve pressure in angle-closure glaucoma.
Both procedures are quick, safe, and performed right in our office.
For patients needing more consistent pressure control, MIGS procedures offer effective results with shorter recovery times and fewer risks. These are often performed in combination with cataract surgery.
In advanced or difficult-to-manage cases, surgeries like trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage implants can create new pathways for fluid drainage and help protect vision long term.
Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but with early detection, consistent monitoring, and proper treatment, most patients can maintain healthy vision for many years. Our team at Premier Florida Vision provides ongoing care, follow-up testing, and individualized treatment adjustments to ensure your eye pressure remains stable and your optic nerve stays protected.
Protect Your Sight
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—by the time vision loss occurs, the damage is often permanent. Schedule a glaucoma screening in Plantation or Fort Lauderdale today by calling 954-792-6411 or visiting premierfloridavision.com
At Premier Florida Vision, we combine compassion, advanced technology, and clinical expertise to help safeguard your vision—so you can see clearly for a lifetime.