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Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in gradual and irreversible vision loss. The eye doctors and glaucoma specialists at San Francisco Eye Institute are dedicated to preserving vision for patients affected by glaucoma. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic services and a range of glaucoma treatment options as part of our commitment to comprehensive eye care.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma in San Francisco
The eye doctors and glaucoma specialists at San Francisco Eye Institute are dedicated to preserving vision for patients affected by glaucoma. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic services and a range of glaucoma treatment options as part of our commitment to comprehensive eye care.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in gradual and irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma is often characterized by increased or abnormally high pressure within the eye, which is referred to as intraocular pressure or IOP. It is a progressive condition and early detection and treatment are very important to prevent permanent vision loss or blindness.1
Types of Glaucoma
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for approximately 95% of cases.2 Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye’s natural fluid (called aqueous humor) builds up within the eye due to an overproduction of fluid or a blockage in the natural drainage pathways.
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma is a rare and serious eye condition that requires immediate attention. Also called a “glaucoma attack” or closed-angle glaucoma, this condition happens when there is a sudden blockage of fluid in the eye. Symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma include sudden vision changes, eye pain, nausea, and headache.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
In its early stages, open-angle glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms—this is why regular eye exams and glaucoma screenings are so important. Once vision changes from glaucoma are noticeable, such as blind spots, the optic nerve has been permanently damaged and it is too late to regain any vision that has been lost. The lack of warning signs is one reason that glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.3 However, regular dilated eye exams allow you and your eye doctor to detect glaucoma early and help prevent optic nerve damage.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can happen to anyone and there is not an exact cause. Glaucoma is more common over the age of 40 and there are several factors that can put you at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
People who fall into these groups may have an increased risk of glaucoma:
- Family history of glaucoma
- Personal or family history of high eye pressure or high blood pressure
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
- Asian, hispanic, or African American heritage
- A sensitive or thinning optic nerve
- Thin corneas
- History of eye injury
Glaucoma Treatment Options
There is no cure for glaucoma, but there are several treatment options to manage glaucoma. Glaucoma treatments aim to prevent vision loss and slow the progression of the condition by reducing eye pressure.
Glaucoma Medications
There are several prescription eye drops available to treat glaucoma. Daily medications to treat increased pressure within the eye are often recommended in the early stages of glaucoma.
Laser Treatments for Glaucoma
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a procedure that uses a low-power laser to improve the drainage of intraocular fluid. Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is a procedure often used to treat narrow-angle glaucoma.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, or MIGS, are advanced procedures that use micro-surgery techniques and specialized micro-implants to improve fluid drainage in order to reduce pressure within the eye.
MIGS procedures are commonly performed in conjunction with cataract surgery. There are many benefits to treating both eye conditions in one surgery. Patients may be able to reduce or eliminate their need for daily glaucoma eye drops after a successful MIGS procedure.
Types of MIGS offered at San Francisco Eye Institute include:
Hydrus® Microstent: The Hydrus Microstent is a micro-device, approximately the size of an eyelash. When the microstent is placed in the eye, it can improve fluid drainage in order to lower intraocular pressure.
iStent®: An iStent is a MIGS procedure that uses very small titanium implants to optimize fluid drainage and improve intraocular pressure for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Your eye doctor can suspect glaucoma during a regular eye examination, often with a non-invasive test called tonometry that measures the pressure of your eye and through observing the appearance of your optic nerve on a dilated eye exam. If your eye doctor suspects glaucoma, they will likely order a number of non-invasive tests for confirmation of the diagnosis and to determine the severity of any optic nerve damage. Advanced glaucoma testing may involve Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), gonioscopy, and a Humphrey Visual Field test, all of which can be performed at the San Francisco Eye Institute.
Can I prevent glaucoma?
Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but having regular eye exams is the best way to care for your eye health and catch glaucoma early enough to minimize any permanent vision loss.
Will treatment restore vision loss caused by glaucoma?
No, vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be reversed. Regular eye exams are very important in order to diagnose glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.
How do I know which glaucoma treatment is best for me?
Your glaucoma treatment plan will depend on several factors. One of our glaucoma experts can review your treatment options and discuss the benefits and potential side effects of each option in order to determine the best plan for you.
Glaucoma Patient Testimonials
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Contact San Francisco Eye Institute
We are here to help you navigate your glaucoma diagnosis and preserve your vision. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation appointment today.
Sources1 Mayo Clinic. Glaucoma. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839 Accessed February 3, 2022.
2 BrightFocus Foundation. Glaucoma: Facts & Figures. Available: https://www.brightfocus.org/glaucoma/article/glaucoma-facts-figures Accessed February 3, 2022.
3 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Don’t Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight! Available: https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/glaucoma.html?CDC_AAref_Val Accessed September 20, 2024
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The doctors at San Francisco Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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