It is an important job for an ophthalmologist to provide adequate testing for glaucoma during your annually scheduled eye examination. As one of the leading causes of vision loss, glaucoma can be very harmful to the optical system if left untreated.
Glaucoma damages the eye’s optic nerve and nerve fiber layer of the retina. The most frequent cause of this damage is due to chronically elevated intraocular pressure levels. Glaucoma patients may first notice the disease as blind spots begin to appear in vision but usually have no awareness of the problem whatsoever. Nerve damage may be due to fluid drainage problems as a result of aging (chronic open-angle glaucoma) or a physical blockage in the drainage system (angle-closure glaucoma). Denver Glaucoma Patients who notice sudden blurred vision, colorful halos, serious eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting should contact our office immediately as these symptoms are a true ocular emergency.
The Denver glaucoma physicians at the Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C. have the most modern glaucoma detection equipment available on-site including optical coherence tomography and the automated visual field analyzer. However, regular examinations with a qualified and experienced ophthalmologist are usually successful in detecting early signs of optic nerve damage.
Glaucoma is not a disease that can be ignored – patients with severe or rapid progression glaucoma may face the possibility of complete vision loss without adequate treatment.
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, Dr. Lewis and his team offer state-of-the-art treatment options that may provide relief. Once the disease is discovered, prompt treatment is crucial. While vision lost because of glaucoma cannot be restored, management efforts such as medication and eye surgery may effectively prevent any future damage to the optical system. The Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons now offer Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and the ExPRESS Mini-Shunt to control chronically elevated intraocular pressure.
Don’t take chances with your vision. Schedule your annual eye exam and glaucoma screening in Cherry Creek with Dr. Lewis. Your vision is our number one priority.
How drainage is affected by glaucoma:
Normal: Clear liquid called aqueous humor is constantly being produced within the eye.
Abnormal: If the drainage angle of the eye is blocked, fluid cannot flow out of the eye.
Images used with permission – Copyright 2002 American Academy of Ophthalmology