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Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, but with early detection and proper treatment, vision loss can be prevented or slowed down.
At Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, Texas, our glaucoma specialists are committed to educating you about glaucoma and providing you with the most advanced treatment options.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The damage is usually caused by increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure or IOP.
When left untreated, glaucoma can lead to gradual vision loss and eventually blindness. Since glaucoma often has no symptoms or warning signs in the early stages, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of the condition or other risk factors.
The vision changes caused by glaucoma are irreversible, so it’s essential to start treatment right away if you are diagnosed to prevent the progression of the condition.
There are several types of glaucoma, such as congenital, normal tension, and narrow-angle glaucoma, but two important types to know are:
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. This type of glaucoma typically develops slowly over time, causing little to no symptoms in the early stages.
It occurs when the drainage channels in the eye become clogged, causing a gradual increase in IOP. Over time, those with open-angle glaucoma will begin to develop peripheral vision damage if the condition is left untreated.
Eventually, open-angle glaucoma can cause central vision loss as well without treatment.
Angle-closure glaucoma is not as common as open-angle glaucoma but causes rapid vision damage and many symptoms. This type of glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the drainage channels in the eye, leading to a sudden increase in IOP.
It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Angle-closure glaucoma can cause eye pain, headache, blurred vision, and nausea.
Knowing the symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma is essential so you can seek treatment right away if you experience them. In most cases, any type of glaucoma will require treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
There are several treatment options available for glaucoma, depending on the type and severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to lower IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. They work by either reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye or increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye.
Your eye doctor at Dell Laser Consultants will work with you to find the best medication to help reduce your eye pressure. In some cases, prescription eye drops are combined with other treatment methods to help prevent the progression of glaucoma.
If medications do not work to adequately lower your eye pressure, your eye doctor may recommend glaucoma surgery to help slow the progression of the condition.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a group of procedures that involve tiny incisions and microscopic equipment to lower IOP. At Dell Laser Consultants, our glaucoma specialist, Dr. Campagna, performs MIGS to help control glaucoma and prevent further vision loss.
These procedures are often combined with cataract surgery and have a lower risk of complications compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries. Some of the MIGS procedures offered at Dell Laser Consultants include:
iStent
The iStent is a tiny stent that is inserted into the eye’s drainage channel to improve fluid outflow.
iDose
This is a small implant that slowly releases a glaucoma medication over time, reducing the need for daily eye drops and helping to lower eye pressure.
Hydrus
The Hydrus is a small, flexible implant that is placed in the eye’s drainage channel to improve fluid outflow.
OMNI
The OMNI surgical system is a device that combines two different MIGS procedures to lower IOP. It works by targeting the potential blockage points in the drainage network, allowing them to reopen and let the fluid drain out appropriately.
iTrack
iTrack is a glaucoma treatment that doesn’t require the use of stents, which are small devices sometimes used to help drain fluid from the eye. Instead, iTrack uses a tiny, flexible tube called a catheter to access the eye’s natural drainage channels from every angle.
The catheter is used to flush the drainage channels with a special fluid, which helps to open them up and improve the flow of fluid out of the eye.
Kahook Dual Blade
The Kahook Dual Blade is a small blade that is used to remove a portion of the eye’s drainage channel to improve fluid outflow.
SION
SION is a new, cutting-edge device used in glaucoma surgery to remove damaged tissue from the eye’s drainage system. This innovative tool allows eye surgeons to perform the procedure more safely and easily, helping to improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma.
Laser procedures are another option for treating glaucoma. They work by improving the eye’s drainage system and lowering IOP.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, also known as SLT, uses a low-energy laser to stimulate the eye’s drainage system and improve fluid outflow.
The Xen Gel Stent is a small, soft, and flexible implant that is inserted into the eye to create a new drainage channel for fluid. It is designed to lower IOP and reduce the need for glaucoma medications.
A tube shunt is a small, flexible tube that is implanted in the eye to drain excess fluid and lower IOP. It is often used in cases of advanced glaucoma or when other treatments have failed.
A trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating a small opening in the eye’s drainage system to allow fluid to drain more easily. It is often used in cases of advanced glaucoma or when other treatments have not been effective.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk for developing the condition, it is important to schedule regular eye exams and follow your treatment plan as prescribed. With proper care and management, you can preserve your vision and maintain your quality of life.
Are you at risk for glaucoma? Schedule an appointment at Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, TX, today!
Our eye surgery facility located at 901 Mopac Expressway South, Barton Oaks Plaza 4, Suite #350 in Austin, TX, is "first class" in every respect. Our laser treatment suites and examination rooms are stocked with a full array of the most up to date equipment and our staff is continually available, friendly, and helpful. If you are seeking an Austin LASIK provider that will take the time to find the best vision correction procedure for you and meticulously prepare for your surgery then we are the LASIK eye doctors for you.
Contact us today by calling 512-347-0255 for a free no-obligation laser vision correction screening or to schedule a comprehensive LASIK consultation. We aim to make LASIK affordable for every patient and therefore, we offer both LASIK Financing and also accept HSA flex spending accounts. If you are concerned about the cost of LASIK in Austin please do not hesitate to call us.
