Glaucoma is defined as progressive damage to the optic nerve in the eye. Nowhere in the modern definition of glaucoma is the mention of eye pressure. In fact, many glaucoma cases actually have low pressures. The fact is that Glaucoma can take many forms.
This is why Newsom Eye performs a comprehensive work-up for Glaucoma involving numerous diagnostics of the optic nerve and fluid of the eye. This is the only way to provide a proper diagnosis and to track the progression of Glaucoma. Pressure is still an important indicator, but it is not the only measuring tool for the disease.
When it comes to treatment, Newsom Eye offers a variety of techniques and therapies for total vision care. Glaucoma is a common disease of old age, though occasionally you will see it in children and in young adults. Newsom Eye has successfully treated the various forms of Glaucoma including:
These are the most common types of Glaucoma in addition to Normal Tension Glaucoma. Many doctors and patients mistake high Intraocular Pressure (IOP) for Glaucoma, which is not always the case. Newsom Eye can quickly diagnose the various types of Glaucoma and get you on the road to recovery.
Concerned About Glaucoma? Newsom Eye Can Help.
Glaucoma Suspect
A glaucoma suspect is a patient that presents with one of many possible risk factors. Newsom Eye performs a complete work up to determine if the suspect has Glaucoma. Much like diabetes and high blood pressure, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose Glaucoma immediately. Studies are needed to confirm the diagnosis or label the individual “watch patient”. Even if a patient does not have elevated pressure, other symptoms, or any family history of Glaucoma, Newsom Eye can make the determination.
Work-up: Standard work-up for a Glaucoma suspect involves asking family history (very important), prior eye medical care (has anyone mentioned this to you before or done testing on this?) and getting a proper technician and doctor work-up.
Get the Best Glaucoma Testing at Newsom Eye.
Testing: Newsom Eye offers several different Glaucoma testing techniques, and each one provides more information about the health of the eye. Testing can be quite extensive as the team at Newsom Eye aims to learn as much as possible about each patient, and the progression of the disease.
- Gonioscopy will typically be performed on the first visit to Newsom Eye, or soon thereafter. This technique examines the location on the eye where fluid drains out. Many glaucoma patients do not have normal anatomy at this location, and Gonioscopy can be a key to successful treatment.
- Optic nerve photography is also very important to the team of professionals at Newsom Eye. This technique provides photographic evidence of the optic nerve itself. As with the diagnosis of cancer, photographs are an invaluable method of detecting Glaucoma.
- HRT or Optical Coherence Tomorography (OCT) are the modern technologies that Newsom Eye uses to laser scan the nerve fiber layer of the optic nerve. This not only analyzes against a database for disease, but also stores the findings for future reference with the patient to detect even the slightest progression of the disease.
- Pachymetry is used to measure the central corneal thickness which we now know is an important data point of reference for glaucoma risk
Begin Treating Your Glaucoma Today!
Treatment: Newsom Eye offers more than one treatment of Glaucoma including conventional daily eye drops, observation and diagnostics. In addition, Newsom Eye offers a safe and effective laser treatment that is covered by most medical insurance policies. Laser trabelculoplasty or SLT is performed is more effective at lowering the pressure inside the eye. This advanced laser treatment can keep a patient off expensive medication and has virtually no side effects. See below for a video on the SLT procedure and more information about the treatments available at Newsom Eye.
Gonioscopy: This is an important test where a mirrored, handheld device is used by the doctor to look at the drainage channel in the patient’s eye.
Visual Field: This is required to analyze and document the peripheral vision of the patient. Peripheral vision is what glaucoma damages over time.
Photos of the Optic Nerve: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, therefore pictures are taken to watch for changes in this important tissue.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Perhaps the most important and technologically advanced instrument available for glaucoma, this instrument provides an optical analysis of the nerve with stunning accuracy.
Serial Tonometry: Intraocular pressure, or the pressure in the eye, varies throughout the day and is a critical measurement in glaucoma. Multiple pressure measurements are necessary to record the variation and help understand this condition.
Pachymetry: This is a newer test that standardizes the pressure reading for patients by measuring the thickness of their cornea.
