Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve and is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage. Because vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be reversed, it is important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure so a diagnosis can be made in its early stages and treated appropriately. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented.

Treatment

Treating glaucoma is most successful during its early stages, when minimal damage has occurred. This is why a comprehensive eye exam from your doctor at Maryland Eye Consultants and Surgeons always includes a test to measure your intraocular pressure and see if anything is wrong before symptoms occur.

Most types of glaucoma can be controlled but not cured. Glaucoma damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to control the pressure in the eye and stop further damage. This can often be managed with eye drops and medication but may require surgery if recommended by your doctor.

Each of our physicians at Maryland Eye Consultants and Surgeons are trained in the evaluation of glaucoma, in addition to the use of eye drops and lasers for treatment. We also have expertise in advanced surgical procedures.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma surgery used to be reserved only for those patients with severe glaucoma, not controlled on maximum glaucoma eye drops. With advancements in surgery and recovery times, we now offer several procedures for those patients with mild or moderate glaucoma, to help decrease your daily eye drop burden – many patients are able to achieve glaucoma control without any eye drops! These procedures can be done at the same time as your cataract surgery, or as stand-alone procedures. Talk to your doctor about the best option for your eyes.

Call us today at 301-681-6600 to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.