Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma ?

Glaucoma is a condition in which increased eye pressure can damage the eye. This damage occurs to the optic nerve which takes information from the eye to the brain. This can result in the loss of one's peripheral or “side vision”.

What Causes Glaucoma ?

It is unclear what causes the pressure inside the eye to become elevated. We do know that as one ages the ability of the natural drainage system within the eye that controls eye pressure becomes progressively clogged with pigment and slows down resulting in higher eye pressures. Trauma to the eye can also result in increased eye pressure due to damage to the drainage system.

Who Develops Glaucoma ?

Most people who develop glaucoma are over 50 years of age. Glaucoma tends to run in families and occurs more often in dark skinned/ brown eyed individuals.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma ?

Most forms of Glaucoma have no symptoms. Glaucoma usually progresses very slowly and silently steals your vision and then the central vision. This can cause severe vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Fortunately glaucoma is very treatable especially if caught early.

Can Glaucoma Be Prevented ?

Recent studies indicate that good nutrition and cardio-vascular health are associated with a decreased incidence of Glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma Treated ?

Many new treatments are now available for Glaucoma. The first line of therapy for Glaucoma is either eye drops used on a daily basis or a low energy in office laser treatment. Gabriele Eye Institute uses the most effective laser therapy available for glaucoma. The laser treatment is painless and only takes a few minutes and is performed in our office. There are no activity restrictions afterward and you can go about your daily business immediately after the procedure.

Some forms of Glaucoma need surgical intervention and Gabriele Eye Institute is proud to be able to offer a full array of treatments. This includes Aquaflow and Ahmed Aqueous Shunts. Dr. Phillip Gabriele is the only Michiana ophthalmic surgeon to complete the rigorous training needed to perform these advanced procedures. Aquaflow offers the safest and best treatment for most forms of glaucoma. Ahmed Aqueous Shunts are used to treat the most advanced and severe types of glaucoma untreatable by more conservative measures.