Protect your future memories with glaucoma screening and treatment

Glaucoma Treatment Services, Raleigh-Durham

As part of Kelly Eye Center’s extensive list of eye care services, we offer glaucoma screening and treatment services so that patients across Raleigh can experience better vision and eye health.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a degenerative disease that is often genetically inherited and usually occurs later in life. Clear fluid, known as aqueous fluid, naturally circulates through the eye to nourish the tissue. This fluid also applies pressure or intraocular pressure that helps maintain the shape of the eye. However, this pressure can build up to dangerous levels and cause damage to the optic nerve.

If left untreated, glaucoma can cause complete and permanent blindness. That is why a Kelly Eye Center glaucoma specialist in Raleigh, NC, recommends regular eye tests and screenings. The sooner our glaucoma eye center can detect and begin treating glaucoma, the less irreversible damage will be done.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an especially dangerous eye affliction because patients won’t experience any symptoms or pain early on, and there is no way to reverse the damage. The best course of action is early detection with a glaucoma specialist in Raleigh, NC. Those with a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors need to be diligent about receiving regular eye exams.

Patients in the later stages of glaucoma may see halos around lights and experience tunnel vision and vision loss. Some people also have redness in the eye, along with pain and nausea. Diagnosing glaucoma requires a simple, quick, and painless eye exam. All it takes is a few minutes to protect your eye health and receive the treatment you need to slow the progression of glaucoma.

Glaucoma Treatment

While there is no way to cure glaucoma or reverse the damage, there are advanced treatment methods and glaucoma surgery options available that will help you slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision for as long as possible. Kelly Eye Center works with patients to create a customized care plan.

If you are at high risk for glaucoma, schedule an eye exam today and work with the team at Kelly Eye Center to protect your eye health and take a proactive approach to diagnosing and treating glaucoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different types of glaucoma?

Yes, there are two different types of glaucoma:

Primary open-angle glaucoma: This is the most prevalent form of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage angle in the eye becomes less functional over time, causing increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic nerve damage.
Angle-closure glaucoma: This type occurs when the drainage angle in the eye becomes blocked or completely closed, causing a sudden increase in IOP. Angle-closure glaucoma can be chronic or acute, but acute cases require immediate medical attention.

How can glaucoma be detected in its early stages?

The best way to perform early detection and diagnosis is through regular eye exams. However, early-stage glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms, which makes routine screenings essential. Eye care specialists typically perform tests like tonometry (measuring IOP), visual field tests, and optic nerve evaluations to assess your eye health and detect early signs of glaucoma.

What lifestyle choices can treat glaucoma?

Lifestyle changes are not typically capable of fully curing glaucoma. However, taking proper medication, regular exercise, good diet and nutrition, and avoiding smoking can help slow the progression to manage the disease better.