Glaucoma

Why Glaucoma Is Called the “Silent Thief of Sight”

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, progresses slowly and painlessly, leading to gradual peripheral vision loss. Because the brain compensates for minor blind spots, many people remain unaware of the condition until significant damage has occurred. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to complete blindness.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Since glaucoma often has no warning signs, routine eye exams are critical for early detection. Comprehensive screenings include:

• Measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry)
• Evaluating the optic nerve for signs of damage
• Assessing peripheral vision
• Conducting imaging tests to detect early structural changes

Detecting glaucoma early allows for timely intervention, which can slow or prevent further vision loss.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

While glaucoma has no cure, treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) to slow disease progression. Options include:

• Prescription Eye Drops – The first line of treatment, these reduce eye pressure by either decreasing fluid production or improving drainage.
• Laser Therapy – Procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) can enhance fluid drainage and reduce dependence on eye drops.
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – These advanced techniques offer effective pressure control with a quicker recovery than traditional surgery.
• Traditional Surgery – In more advanced cases, procedures like trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery may be necessary.

Protect Your Vision with Expert Glaucoma Care

Since glaucoma often develops unnoticed, proactive eye care is the best defense against vision loss. Regular eye exams with a qualified eye doctor can detect the disease early, allowing for timely treatment.

At North Suburban Eye in Boston, MA, our specialists use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and manage glaucoma with precision and expertise. If you’re due for an eye exam or have concerns about glaucoma, schedule an appointment today by calling 781-245-5200 today. Early detection can make all the difference in preserving your sight.

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Treating Glaucoma With Eyedrops and Oral Medications

Eyedrops can improve the flow of fluid from your eyes, thus releasing pressure. Other types of eyedrops decrease the amount of fluid produced by your eyes. The type of fluid you get depends on how much pressure you have. Some people require both types of eyedrops. Types of eyedrops include:

• Prostaglandins increase the amount of fluid that flows out of your eyes.
• Beta-blockers reduce fluid production.
• Alpha-adrenergic agonists reduce fluid production and the outflow of fluid.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce the production of fluid.
• Rho kinase inhibitors suppress the rho kinase enzymes that create fluid.
• Miotic or cholinergic agents increase outflow.

Oral medications help bring the pressure down when eyedrops can’t do it alone. This medication is often a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

Surgery and Laser Therapy

Your doctor will recommend surgical or laser treatment when medications are not enough. Treatments include:

• Laser Therapy: This is often used when people can’t tolerate eyedrops. It is also commonly used if the pressure in your eye doesn’t respond to eye drops.
• Filtering Surgery: A trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure where the surgeon creates an opening in your sclera (the white of your eye). It creates an opening for fluid to leave your eye.
• Drainage Tubes: Your surgeon inserts a tiny tube in your eye to facilitate drainage.
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): There are several MIGS techniques available. This type of surgery is often done with cataract surgery. After examining your eyes, your doctor will discuss which MIGS is best for you.

Where to Find Glaucoma Treatment in Wakefield, MA

North Suburban Eye Associates, PC serves Wakefield, Winchester, Waltham, and the surrounding areas in Massachusetts. To find out more about glaucoma treatments, speak with a doctor at North Suburban Eye Associates, PC. To schedule a consultation, please call 781-245-5200 in Wakefield and Winchester or 617-864-3600 in Waltham.

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What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that can become a chronic issue and impact one’s vision. High levels of pressure in the eye can cause the nerve connections to become damaged. These nerves are the receptors to the brain that transmit images from the eye to the brain which allows patients to see. However, when these nerves are damaged, it can cause slow vision loss that gradually worsens with time. In very rare instances, patients may have visual disturbances, nausea, and extreme eye pain with a specific type of glaucoma called angle-closure glaucoma which requires immediate medical attention.

What treatments are used for glaucoma?

Once a diagnosis of glaucoma has been made, specifically the more common variety called open-angle glaucoma, patients can work with their doctor of ophthalmology to discuss treatment options. Below are just a few of the options that may be covered by a medical professional for patients to choose from:

• Medications – for the earlier stages of glaucoma, medications can be helpful in addressing the vision problems associated with this condition. Medication may include varieties such as Travoprost or Latanoprost, which can address high levels of pressure in the eye that contribute to the worsening of glaucoma. Beta blockers may also be considered and can be administered as eye drops to reduce eye pressure.
• Trabeculoplasty – with the use of a laser, a doctor can perform a trabeculoplasty which can improve the ability for the eye to drain fluids to in turn reduce eye pressure.
• Laser surgery – special laser surgeries can be performed to control bleeding while removing tissues of the eye with laser energy.

Do you believe you have glaucoma?

A definitive diagnosis of glaucoma can help patients start the process of finding an effective treatment option. If you are concerned that you have glaucoma and are located in the Wakefield, Winchester, or Waltham, MA areas, we welcome you to book an appointment at one of our four office locations throughout the community. North Suburban Eye Associates, P.C. invites new patients to call the main line at (781) 245-5200 to request a consultation visit and initial evaluation.

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