Glaucoma Treatment in Huntsville
Expert glaucoma diagnosis & surgery co-managementĀ
Glaucoma affects nearly three million Americans and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.Ā¹ Because it can progress without warning signs, regular eye exams are essential for catching changes earlyābefore they lead to permanent vision loss.
We provide advanced glaucoma diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and surgery co-management to help protect your sight while keeping your care clear and manageable. Our experienced eye doctors use optical coherence tomography, digital retinal imaging, and the VR Heru headset to closely track your eye health and make informed treatment decisions over time.
What is glaucoma?Ā
GlaucomaĀ isĀ a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals from your eyes to your brain. This damage isĀ typicallyĀ caused by elevatedĀ fluid pressure inside the eye, known asĀ intraocular pressure (IOP). However,Ā it can also occur with normal eye pressure.Ā Ā
WithoutĀ timelyĀ treatment, glaucoma can lead to gradual and irreversible vision loss,Ā typically beginning with your peripheral vision.Ā
Glaucoma symptomsĀ
Glaucoma is often called the āsilent thief of sightā because it progresses silently and can causeĀ irreparableĀ damage before you notice any vision loss. As the condition advances, you may notice:Ā
- Gradual loss of side (peripheral) visionĀ
- Tunnel vision in later stagesĀ
- Eye pressure or pain (in some cases)Ā
- Headaches, blurry vision, or halos around lights (in acute cases)Ā
Even ifĀ youāreĀ not experiencing symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial to detect early changes before vision loss occurs.Ā
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase your risk, includingĀ²:Ā
- A family history of glaucomaĀ
- Age (your risk increases afterĀ 60)Ā
- Medical conditions likeĀ diabetesĀ or high blood pressureĀ
- Being of African, Hispanic, or Asian descentĀ
- PreviousĀ eye injuriesĀ
- Long-termĀ steroidĀ useĀ
- High degree of nearsightedness or farsightednessĀ
- High eye pressureĀ
Glaucoma Treatment FAQs
Can I have glaucoma even if my eye pressure is normal?
Yes. While glaucoma is often associated with high eye pressure, optic nerve damage can also occur when pressure falls within the normal range. Thatās why glaucoma evaluations look beyond eye pressure and may include retinal imaging, visual field testing, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
What does the VR Heru headset do during glaucoma testing?
The VR Heru headset is an advanced diagnostic tool used to assess aspects of vision that can be affected by glaucoma. It helps the doctors at 20/20 Eye Care monitor changes over time and identify concerns that may not be noticeable in everyday vision.
Do you perform glaucoma surgery?
We diagnose and manage glaucoma in-office, including treatment with prescription eye drops or medication. If a laser procedure or surgery is needed, we coordinate care with a trusted specialist and provide attentive post-operative care after your procedure.
How to treat glaucomaĀ
WhileĀ thereāsĀ no cure for glaucoma, starting treatment early can help slow or even prevent vision loss. Our team works closely with you, using our experience and advanced technology toĀ monitorĀ your condition and adjust your care as needed.Ā
Treatment optionsĀ mayĀ include:Ā
- Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressureĀ
- Oral medications forĀ certainĀ casesĀ
- Laser procedures to improve fluid drainageĀ
- Surgical options if other treatmentsĀ arenātĀ enoughĀ
If surgeryĀ becomes necessary, our team will refer you to aĀ trusted surgeon and provide post-op careĀ to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.Ā
Keep glaucoma from stealing your sight
Your eyes deserve the best care, and weāre here to help protect them. If itās been a while since your last exam or you have risk factors for glaucoma, donāt wait to see an eye doctor.
Early detection is key, and with our caring eye doctors by your side, you can feel confident your vision is well cared for.
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Eye care and eyewear that fit your life and budget
Your eye care should feel simple, personal, and worth your time. Whether you need help managing a vision concern, updating your prescription, or choosing frames that feel polished at work and comfortable everywhere else, our team makes it easy to find care and eyewear that suit your needs.
Explore a broad selection of glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses for adults and kids, with expert guidance to help you choose confidently. We accept VSP vision insurance and many medical insurance plans, and offer in-house membership plans, optical packages, and CareCredit to give you flexible ways to manage out-of-pocket costs.
