The Fladen Eye And Lasik Center also treats and tests for glaucoma. With glaucoma surgery or drug treatment, Dr. Todd Fladen has the experience and knowledge to correctly diagnose and treat the varied forms of glaucoma. If you suspect you may have glaucoma, or are one of many who live with glaucoma unknowingly, an eye exam and testing for glaucoma at our practice can reveal this condition and help you protect your vision.
Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease caused by damage to or excessive pressure on the optic nerve. When left untreated, glaucoma causes irreversible blindness. It is extremely common, robbing about 5,000 people of their sight each year and affecting 3 million Americans, half of who are unaware that they even have glaucoma. People at highest risk for glaucoma include those over age 60, African Americans over the age of 40, and diabetics.
There are three types of glaucoma, including primary open angle glaucoma, or POAG, which is the most common; closed angle glaucoma, which is very rare and requires emergency intervention; and low tension glaucoma, which causes optic nerve damage but does not cause eye pressure fluctuations.
Early-stage glaucoma has very few, if any, warning signs - few patients are aware that the level of pressure in their eyes is elevated or that their optic nerves have been damaged. Further, glaucoma usually attacks peripheral vision first - meaning that many people with 20/20 vision have glaucoma but don't know it! That is why a routine eye exam conducted by a licensed ophthalmologist is crucial. Dr. Todd Fladen is experienced with glaucoma treatment, glaucoma surgery and testing. People experiencing vision problems should visit The Fladen Eye Center for a glaucoma exam.
During such an exam, Dr. Fladen will measure intraocular pressure, check for optic nerve damage, administer a visual acuity test, and determine which, if any, segments of vision have been affected by glaucoma.
There are a number of treatments available for glaucoma. POAG glaucoma is treated with drops designed to lower eye pressure, while closed angle glaucoma is treated with either drops or intravenous medication. In some cases, laser surgery may be needed to drain accumulated eye fluid.
If Dr. Fladen finds a case of glaucoma that does not respond to treatment, it may require traditional glaucoma surgery at our practice. Glaucoma surgery includes valve implantation and trabeculectomy. Trabeculectomy is a filtering surgery during which eye fluid is drained out through a small flap made in the sclera. This glaucoma surgery is more than 85 percent effective and is considered a routine procedure. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and surgery is your only option, you will be in the gentle and experienced hands of Dr. Todd Fladen of The Fladen Eye And Lasik Center. Glaucoma surgery can quickly help you regain the sight you may have been living without for years.
If you would like more glaucoma surgery information, contact our office today! |
