What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the #1 cause of preventable blindness in the United States, and a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve resulting in gradual progressive visual loss. Because it is often a silent disease, it may progress for years without detection. Through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, visual loss is controllable. Dr. Fishman is committed to preventing blindness from this disease and to providing the best in glaucoma patient care.
Diagnostic Tools
To help ensure accurate diagnosis and management, several state-of-the-art diagnostic tests are employed. Dr. Fishman uses the most advanced visual field and optic nerve analysis systems available, including the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer and the Zeiss Cirus High definition Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Our visual field and OCT systems allow Dr. Fishman not only to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, but also to quantitatively compare these results with past and future exams. We also use high-resolution optic nerve photography. Because the pressure of the eye is a significant factor in the management of glaucoma, he will also be testing your pressures at every single visit once you have been diagnosed with glaucoma.
Treatment
Treatment for glaucoma comes in three forms: eye drops, laser treatment and incisional surgery. These treatments are all aimed at lowering the eye pressure. For almost all patients, appropriate treatment will slow and often stop the progression of glaucoma. Many patients choose to start with medical treatment. For those requiring additional treatment, or those who do not wish to use eye drops, surgical procedures may be performed. Procedures include:
- Laser procedures, including SLT trabeculoplasty and YAG iridotomy.
- Intraocular glaucoma surgery
- Cataract surgery with intraocular lens implants.
The best way to keep glaucoma from robbing you of your eyesight is to have regular eye examinations by a professional eye care specialist. Simple and painless, an eye exam will alert you and your eye doctor to early symptoms of glaucoma so that an appropriate course of treatment can be started. Early detection of glaucoma means more effective treatment of the disease. Your eyesight is too precious to take for granted. Contact Dr. Fishman today to learn more about glaucoma detection and treatment or to schedule an eye examination.
