Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss, often progressing without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. At Garay Eye Care & Surgical Center, our Orlando ophthalmologist, Dr. Leslie Garay, and her team provide advanced glaucoma treatment to help protect your vision and manage the condition effectively.
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What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, typically due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. Early detection and proper management are essential in slowing its progression.
The condition often develops slowly and without symptoms in its early stages, making routine eye exams crucial for early detection. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to progressive vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. While the exact cause of glaucoma is not always clear, risk factors include age, family history, high intraocular pressure, certain medical conditions like diabetes, and prolonged use of corticosteroids.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often asymptomatic in the early stages, but as it progresses, you may experience:
- Blurred vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Eye pain or pressure
- Halos around lights
- Nausea or headaches (in acute cases)
What Glaucoma Treatments Are Available?
Since there is no cure for glaucoma, management focuses on controlling eye pressure to prevent further damage. Early detection and proper treatment are essential to preserving vision and maintaining eye health.
Dr. Garay offers a variety of treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs:
Medications
Prescription eye drops and oral medications can sometimes help lower intraocular pressure by reducing fluid production or improving fluid drainage.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments can be an effective way to manage glaucoma and improve fluid outflow. Options include:
Laser Trabeculoplasty
This treatment involves using a laser to make small changes to the trabecular meshwork—where fluid naturally flows out of the eye. The laser makes fluid drain faster, reducing intraocular pressure.
Laser Iridotomy
Laser iridotomy creates a small opening in the iris to improve fluid drainage and prevent sudden pressure spikes.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS procedures offer an effective, less invasive way to manage glaucoma by enhancing natural fluid drainage pathways.
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery
For advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to create a new drainage channel and maintain stable eye pressure.
Schedule a Glaucoma Evaluation
Early detection is key to preventing vision loss from glaucoma. If you are at risk or experiencing symptoms, contact Garay Eye Care & Surgical Center in Orlando to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Garay.