Fact Sheet: Glaucoma Management

Glaucoma: Don’t Let It Rob You Blind

That’s because in the early stages, glaucoma has no symptoms. There is no pain, no swelling, no loss of vision until it sneaks up on you and steals your sight. This is why it is very important to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, before it becomes a thief.

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that consists of increased eye pressure that can destroy the optic nerve fibers responsible for vision. There are no noticeable symptoms such as pain or redness, and it can cause permanent vision loss that leaves you with tunnel vision.

Who gets glaucoma?
Roughly two percent of the population over age 35 develop glaucoma. Those at highest risk include people whose family members have glaucoma; those with diabetes, anemia or hardening of the arteries; and people of African-American or Hispanic descent.

How is glaucoma detected?
At 20/20 Eye Care Centers, we use some of the most advanced diagnostic equipment to detect glaucoma... in its earliest stages.

• Glaucoma check – Using a puff of air, we can look for signs of glaucoma... without touching your eyes.
• Humphrey visual field machine – This glaucoma technology uses a video monitor to allow the technician to see how you are seeing.
• Matrix visual field machine – This equipment is sensitive to certain cells in the eye that can help us detect glaucoma in its earliest stages.
• Heidelberg retinal tomographer – Measures nerves and detects the progression of glaucoma.
• Pachmetry - This test show your risk factor for glaucoma by measuring your corneal thickness.

If signs of glaucoma are detected, owner/doctor, Dr. William F. Pittenger, Jr., will conduct more testing and create a glaucoma treatment plan to help maintain the best possible vision.

Are there different kinds of glaucoma?
Yes. Open-angle glaucoma is a common form that results from blocked drainage of fluid. Angle-closure glaucoma is characterized by a rapid onset with immediate rise in pressure. Secondary glaucoma develops from disease such as diabetes or injury to the eye’s drainage system. There is also a type known as normal tension glaucoma, which is sensitive to normal pressure levels.

How is glaucoma treated?
There are several treatments available for glaucoma, such as eyedrops, drug therapy and laser surgery. Dr. Pittenger will work with you and your specialist to determine the treatment that is right for you.

How can I prevent glaucoma?
Have a thorough eye examination every year at 20/20 Eye Care Centers in Huntsville, AL. We use the most advanced glaucoma detection technology combined with a dedication to your health and well-being. Please ask us more about glaucoma and how we can help prevent or treat it.