Glaucoma

What is a Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure in the eye becomes too high and causes damage to the optic nerve. There is an internal flow of fluid in the eye that consists of inflow and outflow mechanisms. Glaucoma is thought to be a result of a decrease in the outflow mechanism, which results in a rise in pressure.

In the early stages of open angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma, there are no symptoms. Early optic nerve damage causes very subtle changes in the peripheral field of vision, which are not noticeable. However, if the glaucoma goes untreated, the visual field defects become larger, and by the time the patient notices a problem, the optic nerve has been irreversibly damaged. End-stage glaucoma results in tunnel vision.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, and affects approximately 3% of the general population. But loss of sight from glaucoma is often preventable if treatment is started early. Routine glaucoma checks are crucial in the detection and prevention of vision loss.

Glaucoma

Who is at Risk?

Everyone has some risk of glaucoma. It is important for everyone to have routine eye exams to look for the early signs of glaucoma. The risk for glaucoma is increased with these factors:

Higher eye pressure

A family history of glaucoma

African-American, Asian, or Hispanic descent

Over 45 years of age

Past eye injury

Severe nearsightedness

Other medical conditions – diabetes, migraines, poor circulation

Use of steroid medications

Glaucoma Treatment

How is Glaucoma Treated?

Glaucoma can usually be treated with eye drops, once or twice daily. There are a multitude of prescription eye drops available for the treatment of glaucoma.

Laser treatment is also available in the treatment of glaucoma for patients who do not want to use eye drops or whose glaucoma is not responding to eye drops. At Northwest Eye Center we offer Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT. This procedure directs laser light to the angle of the eye where the outflow mechanism is located in an effort to increase the outflow of fluid, thereby decreasing the pressure.

SLT is effective in at least 85% of cases, and is a simple, low risk procedure that only takes minutes to perform in our office. This is a painless procedure with no post-operative restrictions. This technology is safer than previous forms of laser surgery used for glaucoma, and can be repeated if necessary.

Glaucoma Treatment 20-20-Vision Center Evergreen, CO

Book an Appointment & Learn More About Your Glaucoma Treatment Options.

The more you know about glaucoma, the better prepared you will be to deal with it – or help prevent them in the first place!

Simply reserve a time slot, walk-in at the appointed time, and get prioritized treatments at no extra cost.

Request an Appointment

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You all went above and beyond to get me rescheduled! Not to mention the awesome service once I got there!!! I can “see clearly”, that 20/20 Vision Center gives 100/100 to everyone who walks thru their door!!!

Aubrey D

Everyone at 20/20 was very friendly and professional. Great services from the extremely thorough exam to the eye center. HIghly recommend them for all of your eye care needs.

Mark S

Knowledgable, thorough examination. Great staff and service. I’ve been going to 20/20 for nine years, and I would and have recommended it to friends and family.

A. Diane

About Us

Our Mission at 20/20 Vision Center

Our mission is to enhance quality of life by improving eye health and vision through compassionate care, state-of-the-art technology, and exceptional patient service.

Our Mission