Glaucoma ; Sight Snatcher
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning (“sneak thief of sight”). In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Studies suggest that half of the people affected by glaucoma in the United States may not know they have it.
Risk factors for Glaucoma include the following:
- Family history, especially close relative with vision loss
- Age over 60 years
- Injury to the eye
- African ancestry
Glaucoma is caused by a number of different eye diseases which in most cases produce increased pressure within the eye. This elevated pressure is caused by a backup of fluid in the eye. Over time, it causes damage to different parts of the eye particularly the optic nerve.
No matter whether the eye pressure is high, normal or below normal, it can still cause damage. Most types of glaucoma are chronic, and are present for the person’s lifetime. Some types of glaucoma occur suddenly (such as angle closure glaucoma), but most develop slowly, over months or years.
Since the level of intraocular pressure may not indicate with certainty whether or not one has glaucoma, the diagnosis is made by detecting the presence of characteristic ocular tissue damage related to intraocular pressure with visual field testing, optical coherent tomography (OCT) analysis of the optic nerves, fundus photography, and careful examination. Florida Eye Specialists offers the latest technology available for the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma.
Because many different types of glaucoma exist, treatments may vary between individuals depending on the type of glaucoma as well as other factors including one’s general health and wellness. Through early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment, you and your doctor can help to preserve your vision.
Most patients are adequately treated with eye drops, but some may require laser treatment or require various incisional eye surgeries. Dr. Ume is fellowship-trained and sub-specialized in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma. He has pioneered several glaucoma treatment options in Nigeria. Dr. Ume performs the following procedures:
- selective laser trabeculoplasty
- laser peripheral iridotomy
- laser gonioplasty
- trabeculectomy
- tube shunt drainage implantation
- endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP)
Below are links to sites that can provide additional resources on glaucoma:
American Glaucoma Society
http://www.glaucomaweb.org/
Wills Eye Hospital
http://www.willsglaucoma.org/
Glaucoma Research Foundation
http://www.glaucoma.org/
American Academy of Ophthalmology
http://www.eyecareamerica.org/
The Glaucoma Foundation
http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/