Glaucoma Specialist

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not a single condition but a term used to describe a group of eye conditions. The second leading cause of blindness, glaucoma is a serious eye health issue that everyone should be aware of. 

Glaucoma is characterized by excessively high pressure within your eye. Your eye is constantly producing a fluid, and it is also consistently draining from your eye through an opening called a drainage angle. The consistent flow of fluid keeps a steady pressure within the eye. 

When something impedes normal drainage, pressure can build up, damaging your optic nerve. Some of its tiny nerve fibers will die, creating blind spots in your vision. 

What are the types of glaucoma?

There are two primary types of glaucoma. 

Primary open-angle glaucoma

This type is the most common and occurs slowly over time. As drainage within your eye slows, pressure begins to build up. Symptoms don’t usually develop in the early stages. 

Angle-closure glaucoma

This is a less common but far more serious form of glaucoma that develops very quickly. It happens when your iris creates a complete blockage of your drainage angle, allowing fluid and pressure to build up rapidly. It is an emergency situation and can cause blindness if not treated immediately. 

The first step in treating glaucoma is determining which type is present. Dr. Choi performs a thorough diagnostic exam to get to the bottom of your symptoms. 

What treatments can help with glaucoma?

Eye drop medications are a primary treatment for glaucoma and work by reducing pressure within your eye. Some drops improve drainage through the drainage angle, and others reduce the volume of aqueous fluid your body produces. 

Laser procedures can also treat glaucoma. Dr. Choi uses a carefully controlled beam of light to create improved drainage within your eye. Some options create a tiny hole in the iris to improve drainage. 

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure that creates a small flap within your sclera and a bubble-like bulge in your conjunctiva. That allows fluid to drain through the flap and collect in the bubble before being absorbed by the surrounding eye tissue. This newly created structure provides an alternative method of draining the eye. 

There are also additional surgical solutions that can treat glaucoma, including implanted drainage tubes. When you’re ready to learn more, call the office to set up a visit or take advantage of the 24-hour online booking page.