InnoVision Eye Care Centers also tests for and treats glaucoma at our Carlsbad location. Glaucoma is an extremely common degenerative eye disease that, when left untreated, can lead to blindness. However, the prognosis for patients who catch the disease early is very good – very few will completely lose their sight. There are numerous types of glaucoma; the most common is open-angle glaucoma. In open-angle glaucoma, excess pressure damages the optic nerve. Such pressure, if not alleviated, can lead to irreversible vision loss. The problem lies in that there are usually no signs or symptoms – few glaucoma patients are even aware that they have the disease until they undergo proper testing. However, a small percentage of patients do notice that their peripheral vision has begun to degenerate, even if their front vision is perfect (or 20/20).
The best way to prevent glaucoma is to see an eye care professional for regular eye exams and testing, including tonometry, opthalmoscopy, gonioscopy, and other methods. We routinely test for glaucoma at our Carlsbad office to catch the disease at an early stage. Patients who are very nearsighted, whose relatives have glaucoma, who are age 35 or older, or who are diabetic are urged to be tested regularly for glaucoma.
Treatments for glaucoma at our Carlsbad office include laser surgery, medicines, and filtration surgery, in which a valve implant is used to control fluid drainage and to lower eye pressure.