What is Glaucoma?
The eye has its own pressure, just like our blood, which is referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP). When the eye’s IOP increases to dangerous levels, often times due to a buildup of fluid in the front part of the eye, it can cause damage to the optic nerve. As nerve fibers die, blind spots will begin to develop in the vision. This disease is known as glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world, affecting an estimated 4 million people in just the United States alone. Even if those with glaucoma do not become blind, their vision can be severely impaired by decreased peripheral vision if not treated early and properly.
Glaucoma Symptoms and Diagnosis
Known as a “silent thief”, glaucoma does not have noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Vision loss progresses at such a gradual rate that many times people are unaware they have the condition. In fact, half of the people who have glaucoma do not know it until considerable damage has occurred. This is why it is important to have yearly comprehensive eye examinations at Giliberti Eye and Laser Center, as it is the only sure way to diagnose, monitor, and treat the disease. Part of a comprehensive eye examination at Giliberti Eye and Laser Center can include:
Visual Field, which uses a Humphrey Field Analyzer to assess the full horizontal and vertical range and sensitivity of vision. It is used to detect eye and brain disorders that can cause peripheral vision loss and other visual field abnormalities.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which is performed to capture precise and detailed images of the retina and used to diagnose a number of retinal problems and monitor responses to treatments. It is also used to detect any disorders or changes to the optic nerve due to glaucoma.
Fundus Photography, which involves the use of a retinal camera to photograph the vitreous, retina, choroid, and optic nerve. Fundus photographs are usually taken through a dilated pupil in order to document any abnormalities and follow the progress of a disease.
For the convenience and comfort of our patients, Giliberti Eye and Laser Center is proud to utilize the 3D OCT-1 Maestro. This state-of-the-art machine simultaneously performs spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography to deliver superior care.
Symptoms of glaucoma are difficult to gauge and can vary among patients. Sudden blurry vision, loss of peripheral vision, severe eye pain, rainbow-colored halos around lights headaches, nausea and vomiting, are some examples of what can be experienced. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to be treated immediately.
Glaucoma Treatment
Unfortunately, glaucoma damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. To treat glaucoma, the use of medication and/or surgery is the only way to prevent further damage. Dr. Orazio L. Giliberti, FACS has over 30 years of experience treating and managing glaucoma patients from throughout New Jersey (including the neighboring towns of Wayne, Woodland Park, Cedar Grove, Verona, and Little Falls), the New York metropolitan area, and beyond! Treatment and frequency of visits can vary among patients depending on the type of glaucoma and the severity.
Diagnosing, monitoring, and treating glaucoma is truly a team effort. Be sure to keep up with regularly scheduled eye examinations and to follow any advised treatment plan accordingly.
