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Glaucoma Treatment for Boerne and San Antonio Residents
Glaucoma is known as the "silent thief of sight" because those afflicted with it may not experience obvious symptoms until it is too late. In fact, half of those suffering damage from glaucoma are not aware that they have the disease. Although it cannot reverse damage already caused, glaucoma treatment can halt the progression of the disease, helping to save whatever vision remains. Because of the importance of dealing with this disease as soon as possible, glaucoma treatment is available at our practice in Boerne. There, San Antonio-area residents can receive a range of optical services from board-certified ophthalmologist Carlos Diaz, including regular eye exams and cataract surgery.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a collection of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, the part of the eye responsible for transmitting images from the retina to the brain. Often, but not always, these diseases cause increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
IOP is related to the amount of fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye. This fluid is produced by a small gland called the ciliary body and flows into the anterior chamber, where it circulates and provides essential nutrients to the lens and cornea. The fluid drains through a structure called the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork is located in the angle, in front of the iris.
The most common type of glaucoma is called primary open-angle glaucoma. In primary open-angle glaucoma, gradually increasing IOP slowly kills the optic nerve cells. Occurring mainly in people over 50, primary open-angle glaucoma often goes undetected because there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Although there is no cure for this chronic disease, glaucoma treatment is available that can lower IOP and prevent further loss of vision. Dr. Diaz has administered glaucoma treatment to many San Antonio-area residents at our practice in Boerne.
Other types of glaucoma include the following:
Normal Tension Glaucoma
Also known as low-tension glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve cells without increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Poor blood flow to the optic nerve is believed to cause this type of glaucoma.
Angle-closure Glaucoma
In people who develop angle-closure glaucoma, the anterior chamber is often smaller than average. As the eye gets older, the lens gets larger. If the space between the lens and iris becomes too tight, pressure may build and force the iris up against the trabecular meshwork, inhibiting proper drainage. Acute angle closure also occurs in far-sighted individuals (hyperopes).
Acute Glaucoma
Acute glaucoma is characterized by a sudden rise in IOP that causes the cornea to swell. In most cases, it results from a dilation of the pupil that narrows the angle between iris and lens. This sudden attack can be painful and should be investigated immediately by an ophthalmologist.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
Since symptoms of glaucoma are not always obvious, ocular examinations are necessary to screen for this sight-threatening disease. Starting at age 40, it is important for people to have their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist every two to four years. People over 60 years of age and those with high risk factors should have their eyes examined every one to two years.
During a routine eye examination, an ophthalmologist performs a variety of tests in order to look for glaucoma. Using a special device, he or she measures the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eyes; the ophthalmologist also may look inside the eyes using a magnifying instrument called an ophthalmoscope. A visual field test may be administered to test the patient's peripheral vision. All of these tests are painless and involve little to no discomfort.
Because early detection of glaucoma can save people's eyesight, Dr. Carlos Diaz offers comprehensive glaucoma screenings using the latest diagnostic equipment. Precise diagnosis, and monitoring of the condition, is possible due to the availablilty of the latest OCT device. Patients who are diagnosed with glaucoma can receive high-quality glaucoma treatment at our practice in Boerne, convenient to San Antonio and its surrounding communities.
Glaucoma Monitoring
Once diagnosed, glaucoma must be carefully monitored while the patient undergoes treatment. By monitoring the condition, an ophthalmologist is able to detect any change in the patient's condition and take careful measures to halt its progression.
Glaucoma Treatment
Dr. Diaz performs glaucoma treatment with the Ex-PRESS® mini shunt. When implanted in the eye, this tiny device allows the aqueous humor (i.e. the fluid) in the eye to drain into a reservoir. Treatment with the Ex-PRESS® mini shunt has been shown to decrease post-operative complications when compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Learn More about Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Affecting more than 3 million people nationwide, glaucoma is a dangerous condition that can damage people's sight if left untreated. At Diaz Vision Center, we offer comprehensive screening, monitoring, and glaucoma treatment for residents of Boerne, San Antonio, and the Texas Hill Country. Contact our practice today to schedule an eye exam.
To learn more about glaucoma treatment, please contact our practice in Boerne serving San Antonio and Texas Hill Country patients.
Diaz Vision Center
124 E Bandera Rd, #404
Boerne, TX 78006
Ph. 830-249-8400
Fx. 830-249-8411