What is glaucoma?

The optic nerve of the eye carries images to the brain. Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve becomes damaged. The optic nerve is like a telephone cable containing about 1.2 million nerve fibers, or “wires” within the cable. Glaucoma damages nerve fibers, causing blind spots to develop.

Glaucoma has something to do with the pressure inside the eye – the intraocular pressure. Pressure builds up in the eye when the clear liquid inside the eye called the aqueous humor is prevented from draining properly. This pressure causes permanent damage to the nerve fibers in the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision lost.

Most people who have glaucoma do not notice any symptoms. As optic nerve fibers are damaged by glaucoma, small blind spots may begin to develop, usually in the side of peripheral vision. Many people do not notice the blind spots until significant optic nerve damage has already occurred.

“Most people notice no symptoms until very late in the disease process when vision becomes impaired.”

How is Glaucoma detected?

Regular eye examinations by your ophthalmologist are the best way to detect glaucoma. Dr. Stan Feil and Dr. David Feil are both medical doctors who can detect and treat glaucoma.

To be safe and accurate, the Visalia Eye Center uses six factors to check before making a glaucoma diagnosis.

· Nerve fiber layer and optic nerve analysis with an optic nerve analyzer (optical coherence tomography).
· The eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP).
· The shape and color of the optic nerve with direct, stereoscopic visualization.
· The field of vision, evaluated with a standardized, computerized device.
· The angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea.
· Family history of glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma treated?

Treatment for glaucoma may include medication and/or surgery to prevent or slow further damage to your eye from happening. Because glaucoma can worsen over time without your being aware of it, it is important for you to follow up with your doctor as prescribed. Continual observation and treatment can control the intraocular pressure, which protects the nerve and prevents further vision loss.

Please call us at 800-433-4563 for more information.