About Glaucoma - RGB Eye Associates; Sherman, Texas

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which normal eye fluid fails to properly drain. This builds up pressure inside the eye, and, as the pressure rises, it can cause damage to the optic nerve, resulting in a gradual loss of vision. If left untreated, glaucoma may cause eventual blindness.

Because the early symptoms of glaucoma often go unnoticed, regular eye exams for early glaucoma detection are very important, especially for people with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma.

The biggest challenge in relation to glaucoma is that there are no clear early warning symptoms. Once the disease progresses, what becomes noticeable is that the field of vision begins to narrow Often patients can still see what is directly in front of them, but they lose their peripheral (side) vision. Untreated, glaucoma patients will eventually lose their front vision as well, which is why early treatment is so important.

Tests for glaucoma include the standard eye chart test to measure visual acuity, a visual field test to measure peripheral vision, a test called "tonometry" that measures the pressure in the eye, a contrast sensitivity test, and pupil dilation, which enables an eye doctor to visually examine the optic nerve.

Glaucoma can be divided roughly into two main categories, "open angle" or chronic glaucoma and "closed angle" or acute glaucoma. Acute glaucoma appears suddenly and often with painful side effects and so is usually diagnosed quickly, although damage and loss of vision can also occur very suddenly. Open angle, chronic glaucoma tends to progress more slowly and so the patient may not notice it until the disease has progressed quite significantly. Symptoms may include pain in or behind the eye ball, headache and sensitivity to light.

Risk factors for glaucoma include age (everyone over 60 should be checked), diabetes, and family history. Because African-American are particularly susceptible to glaucoma, it is recommend that this population begin getting regular glaucoma exams at age 40. Ocular hypertension (increased pressure within the eye) is the largest risk factor in most glaucomas, but in some populations only 50% of patients with primary open angle glaucoma actually have elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma can be treated with medications, eye drops, laser surgery and other forms of surgery.

Exciting News for Glaucoma Patients: The newest form of glaucoma treatment is proving to be very effective; and RGB Eye Associates is using it extensively in their Sherman Texas office and surgical center -- with great results. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a type of laser treatment that is quickly becoming the preferred treatment for glaucoma. Sherman - Ada- Ardmore citizens seeking SLT no longer have to go to Dallas for this state-of-the-art glaucoma treatment now available in Sherman.

Please visit our SLT page for more information about this exciting new glaucoma treatment. Or to make an appointment call us today: 903.892.3282