Important Announcement: We've partnered with ReFocus Eye Health to best focus on providing the best patient care possible. Of course, our doctors and staff will remain the same but our name, logo, and website will be updated as we integrate with the ReFocus family of eye clinics. This will not affect your appointments or your patient experience in the least. 

Important Annoucement: Our Blue Bell clinic is now closed. All patients from that office will be seen at our state-of-the-art North Wales location, where they can expect the same caliber of exceptional eye care and patient experience. This location is only 6 miles away and has ample parking.

Glaucoma

Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC -  - Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC

Ophthalmology & Eye Surgery located in Trappe, North Wales, Hatboro, Bethlehem, & Levittown, PA

You can have glaucoma and not be aware of the disease until you start to lose your eyesight. Attending regular eye exams with a member of the distinguished team at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC ensures an early diagnosis if you have glaucoma, giving you a far better chance of preserving your sight. If you live in the greater Philadelphia area, including Trappe, North Wales, Hatboro, Bethlehem, and Levittown, Pennsylvania, or the counties of Montgomery, Bucks, or Northampton, schedule an appointment for an eye exam online or by phone today.

Glaucoma Q & A

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition in which fluid buildup in the eye creates pressure on the optic nerve. If the optic nerve sustains damage it affects your eyesight, and glaucoma can lead to irreversible sight loss if left untreated.

Normal eyes contain a mixture of protein and water that drains away at the point where the cornea and iris meet. The fluid buildup that causes glaucoma develops when there’s a blockage that prevents normal drainage. This can happen in two ways:

Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the drainage channels that allow excess fluid to leave the eye become blocked. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition, generally affecting people older than 60.

Angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris changes shape to the extent that it protrudes into the drainage channel and prevents fluid from escaping. Angle-closure glaucoma usually develops more quickly and can affect people from age 40 onwards.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

The initial symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on which type of glaucoma you have. Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include tunnel vision and a gradual loss of peripheral vision. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include:

  • Eye pain
  • Red eyes
  • Halos
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Sudden changes in vision

If you experience any kind of disturbance in your vision, book an appointment with one of the expert eye doctors at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC to find out what’s causing the problem.

What treatments are available for glaucoma?

Glaucoma is incurable, but there are treatments available that can help preserve your sight. The key to successful glaucoma treatment is early intervention, so attending regular eye exams is essential. During your eye exam, your provider can detect the first signs of glaucoma, enabling you to receive prompt treatment.

If your eye doctor detects glaucoma early enough, there are several types of eye drops you can use that help reduce the pressure in your eyes. Some eye drops work by decreasing the production of fluid in your eye; others work by increasing the outflow of fluid. Your provider can advise you which is the most appropriate type of eye drop for your condition.

Surgical treatment options include:

  • Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
  • Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT)
  • Peripheral iridotomy
  • MicroPulse P3 cyclophotocoagulation
  • iStent for patients who have cataracts as well as glaucoma

The eye doctors at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC have extensive experience carrying out these surgeries, so you’ll be in safe hands. Schedule your eye exam online or by phone today.