Glaucoma

Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, but can usually be prevented when it's detected early and then properly treated. Getting regular eye exams is the best defense against vision loss caused by glaucoma.

Here are some risk factors to consider:

Although glaucoma can occur at any age, the risk of developing glaucoma increases dramatically after age 35. That risk increases further after age 60.

African Americans are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma and should begin having their eye pressure monitored by age 30.

Asian Americans are at higher risk of developing angle-closure glaucoma.

Other glaucoma risk factors include:

• Family history of glaucoma
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• History of eye injuries. Injury can also dislocate the lens, closing the drainage angle.
• Retinal detachment
• Eye tumors
• Eye inflammations, such as chronic uveitis and iritis
• Farsightedness
• Prolonged use of corticosteroid eye drops

Traditional treatments for glaucoma are the use of eye drops on a regular schedule to control eye pressure and other medications. Both are safe and effective at treating glaucoma. Some work by slowing down the production of fluids or by improving drainage of fluid from the eye. Below are some common glaucoma medication types:

Prostaglandin Analogues - Xalatan®, Lumigan®, Travatan Z®

These medications work by opening up drainage channels in the eye. They are extremely effective and are taken once a day. These medications may cause red eye and increase eyelash growth.

Beta-Blockers - Timolol®, Betimol®, Istalol®, Betagan®

These medications have been used to effectively treat glaucoma for years. They slow down the production of fluid inside the eye and thus reduce pressure on the optic nerve. People suffering from asthma or heart failure should not take them.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (CAI) - Azopt®, Trusopt®

These medications also work by slowing down the production of fluid inside the eye, reducing pressure. They are very effective when combined with a prostaglandin analogue or a beta-blocker.

An alternative to medications are laser treatments that may reduce or eliminate the need for medications or help them work better. DeHaven offers two such treatments: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation (ECP).

SLT

Prior to SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) in particular, eye drops will be given for anesthesia and to prepare the eye for treatment. The laser is applied through a slit-lamp microscope, similar to what is used during eye exams.

The IOP should decrease within several weeks of the procedure. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for 4-7 days afterward. SLT does not always lower the intraocular pressure to the desired level. If not, the procedure may have to be repeated.

Unlike with some glaucoma medications, there have been no incidences of allergic reactions or side effects with the SLT procedure. Complications are rare but may include inflammation, fluctuation in intraocular pressure (IOP), conjunctivitis, or eye pain. Your doctor will provide more specific pre- and post-surgery guidelines.

ECP

ECP (Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation) is a procedure in which the surgeon uses a laser to reduce the production of excess fluid in the eye and thus reduce pressure on the optic nerve. It's a relatively gentle procedure and is very precise, which prevents undesirable collateral tissue damage. ECP is an excellent choice for cases in which the eye is already undergoing cataract surgery.

Micropulse CYCLO-G6 Glaucoma Laser System

The Micropulse Cyclo-G6 Glaucoma Laser System is a non-incisional procedure designed to lower eye pressure by applying short bursts of laser energy directly to the fluid-producing cells in the eye. This new and innovative technology is a variation of an earlier procedure called "diode laser cyclophotocoagulation." Due to the shorter micro-bursts of energy, the post-operative inflammation and post-operative recovery time are minimized with the Cyclo-G6 Laser procedure. Most importantly, the structural changes seen during standard diode laser cyclophotocoagulation are not seen using the Cyclo-G6 Laser.

The goal of the procedure is to decrease the amount of medications needed to decrease a patient's eye pressure, and to slow the rate of peripheral and/or central vision loss a patient experiences from glaucoma. The surgeons of DeHaven Eye Clinic are positioned to evaluate your glaucoma and help determine if this procedure, or other glaucoma treatments, are suitable for your stage of glaucoma.