Glaucoma Specialist
Ventura Eye Institute, Inc.
LASIK Surgeons & Ophthalmologists located in Camarillo, CA
Glaucoma refers to a wide range of progressive diseases and complications that can affect your optic nerve. Unfortunately, there is no cure. So it’s important to come to the providers at Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, to get treatment in the early stages so you don’t lose your sight. If you’re developing glaucoma or think you are, book an appointment online or over the phone today. Ventura Eye Institute welcomes patients in the following surrounding areas: Ventura, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and the greater Ventura County.
Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases and conditions that affect your optic nerve. There are several different types, including:
- Low-tension glaucoma
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Congenital glaucoma
- Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma
- Pigmentary glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
Since there are so many types, it is important to get a diagnosis early so your provider can develop the most effective course of treatment.
Can I go blind if I have glaucoma?
Your eyesight can deteriorate over time if you do not treat your glaucoma. Once you’ve lost your vision, it is impossible to get it back again. You should get regular checkups because symptoms do not tend to show up until late in the development of the disease.
You’ll notice a change in your peripheral vision first. Eventually, you’ll develop tunnel vision, which will slowly get worse until you cannot see anymore.
What are my treatment options?
While there is no definitive cure for glaucoma, there are several treatment options that can allow you to retain your vision and avoid going blind.
Medications
If you have glaucoma, your provider may prescribe a medication to you in the form of pills or eyedrops. It’s important for you to take your medication as prescribed. Some medications regulate the pressure in your eye, while others control the amount of fluid your eyes produce. Even if you don’t feel the effects, you’ll need to continue taking the medicine in order to achieve the best results.
Laser trabeculoplasty
With the help of laser trabeculoplasty, your provider can drain the excess fluid from your eyes. He may recommend this step at any time, and you’ll need to continue with any medications that he’s prescribed to you.
iStent Inject® surgery
Your provider may also recommend that you get an implant to treat your glaucoma, such as the iStent Inject. The implant helps to reduce the pressure in your eye by allowing the fluids in your eye to flow better.
To learn more about these and other treatments for glaucoma, call or schedule an appointment online today.