How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
At Fisher-Swale-Nicholson Eye Center, diagnosing glaucoma begins with a comprehensive eye examination. Our experienced eyecare team uses a series of advanced tests to evaluate your eye health and detect any signs of glaucoma. This includes measuring intraocular pressure with tonometry and examining the drainage angle of your eye using a special lens (gonioscopy). We also assess the optic nerve for damage or abnormalities and perform a visual field test to evaluate your peripheral vision. In some cases, we may use high-resolution imaging tools like optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture detailed images of your retina and optic nerve. These thorough diagnostic steps help us determine the presence and stage of glaucoma, so we can tailor the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan: a non-invasive imaging test used to diagnose and monitor glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve.
Visual field (VF) testing: evaluates central and peripheral vision using a fixed focal point and flashing lights.
Specialized Testing: comprehensive eye exam with a variety of tests that assess optic nerve health and drainage angle of the eye.
Pachymetry: measurement of corneal thickness
Treatment Options at Fisher-Swale-Nicholson Eye Center
- Medications: Medicated eye drops, Oral medications
- Laser Procedures: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Omni, Durysta
- Traditional Glaucoma Surgery: Drainage tubes, Trabeculectomy
Glaucoma Treatments
Although there is no medical cure for glaucoma, the condition can be treated and managed to help slow vision loss and preserve your vision. The earlier your condition is diagnosed the more effective treatment will be.
Medications
Medicated Eye Drops
There are a variety of medicated eye drops that can be prescribed to decrease eye pressure. Your doctor may prescribe drops that increase the outflow of fluid, reduce the production of fluid or drops that achieve both.
Oral Medications
Oral medication can be a stand-alone option or supplement the medicated eye drops. A commonly prescribed medication is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.
Laser Procedures
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Laser energy is used to clear blocked channels in the trabecular meshwork. Specific cells are treated during the process. The results are not instant; it may take 1-3 months for eye pressure to lower.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy
A laser is used to create a small hole on the outer edge of the iris for fluid release. This can be used as a preventative measure for people with narrow drainage areas in the eye or to treat existing glaucoma.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
We may recommend a MIGS procedure to increase the flow of fluids from your eye, lower your intraocular pressure and protect your optic nerve. There are several different procedures that fall under this category, but all require only tiny incisions and cause less trauma to the eye than other types of surgeries. The MIGS procedure may be done with a microscopic tube inserted into the eye to drain fluid (microtrabeculectomy), placing a tiny stent into the trabecular meshwork, inserting tiny shunts (tubes) into the eye or using laser treatment procedures.
The right treatment(s) for your eyes will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, the severity of your condition and your overall eye health. If you have glaucoma you will need to be regularly monitored to ensure that your treatment is working. By keeping your eye pressure within a normal range for your unique eyes, we may be able to protect your optic nerve from further damage.
OMNI® System
For primary open-angle glaucoma patients, we offer the OMNI® Glaucoma Treatment System. This system allows our doctors to identify where you might have blockages in your eyes that are preventing fluid from flowing freely and, therefore, increasing your eye pressure. It combines two Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures in one device: canaloplasty and trabeculotomy.
OMNI treats three areas of common fluid outflow areas with just one device providing openings in the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s Canal and collector channels. This treatment can be done during cataract surgery or as a stand-alone procedure. OMNI is an efficient and effective way to help your eye fluid stabilize.
DURYSTA™
For patients with open angle glaucoma, DURYSTA is an extremely tiny, dissolvable implant that is placed into your eye to continually release medication that can reduce your elevated eye pressure. This FDA-approved option is an alternative to daily eye drops. In fact, just one DURYSTA implant can help lower your eye pressure for up to 15 weeks.
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery
Drainage Tubes (Shunts)
A flexible tube is inserted into the drainage area of the eye to promote fluid escape. This is typically done after other methods of treatment have been explored. SLT is now offered as a first line treatment and it can be repeated if necessary.
Trabeculectomy (Filtration Surgery)
This is also called conventional glaucoma surgery. A small hole is made in the white of the eye to create a new drainage flap for fluid to drain through at a desired rate.
To learn more about the glaucoma treatment options in Bourbonnais, IL, contact us today to schedule an eye exam.