Glaucoma Care & Treatment
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the critical nerve that connects your eye to your brain — often due to elevated pressure inside the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to permanent vision loss and, if left untreated, even blindness. Glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight” because it often causes no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams essential.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma develops when the eye’s natural fluid (aqueous humor) does not drain properly, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the optic nerve. While elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor, glaucoma can develop even with normal pressure. Other contributing factors include:
- Age: Risk increases as you get older.
- Family history: Genetics can predispose you to glaucoma.
- Ocular hypertension: High pressure inside the eye raises glaucoma risk.
- Steroid use, diabetes, and certain eye injuries or conditions.
There are several types of glaucoma — including open-angle (the most common) and angle-closure glaucoma — each with distinct features and treatment approaches.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Early glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why comprehensive eye exams are critical. As the disease progresses, patients may experience:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision.
- Blurred vision or difficulty adjusting to low light.
- Severe eye pain, headaches, halos around lights (especially in angle-closure glaucoma).
- Nausea or vomiting in acute cases.
Because vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, early detection and intervention are vital to preserving sight.
How We Diagnose Glaucoma
At Furlong Vision Correction, our glaucoma evaluations are comprehensive. We will typically:
- Take a thorough medical and ocular history.
- Measure intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Examine the optic nerve for signs of damage.
- Assess the drainage angle of the eye.
- Test your visual field to identify any vision loss.
This combination of tests allows us to detect glaucoma early, monitor its progression, and tailor treatment to your needs.
Treatment Options
Medications
For many patients, glaucoma begins with eye drops or oral medications designed to lower intraocular pressure. These may slow or prevent further optic nerve damage.
iDose® — Sustained-Release Pressure Control
iDose is an innovative implant that delivers continuous medication directly inside the eye to lower eye pressure, reducing or eliminating the need for daily eye drops. This long-lasting therapy can improve adherence and help patients maintain consistent pressure control when traditional drops are not ideal.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS refers to a group of procedures that improve fluid drainage with minimal trauma and fast recovery. These options are often recommended for mild to moderate glaucoma when medications aren’t enough or when patients are undergoing cataract surgery. The goal is to lower eye pressure while preserving tissue and minimizing risk.
Examples of MIGS we may offer include:
- iStent® – A tiny implant placed in the eye’s drainage pathway to improve fluid outflow and lower pressure.
- Other micro-stent devices – Similar implants designed to enhance natural drainage with minimal invasiveness.
These procedures can often be combined with cataract surgery and typically offer faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Traditional Surgical Options
For more advanced or aggressive glaucoma, surgical procedures — such as trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage devices — may be recommended to create new pathways for fluid to exit the eye and significantly reduce pressure.
Why Choose Furlong Vision Correction for Glaucoma Care
- Early detection with comprehensive testing. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to catch glaucoma in early stages.
- Personalized treatment plans. Every patient’s glaucoma is unique — we tailor care to your condition and lifestyle.
- Access to advanced surgical options. From sustained-release therapies like iDose to cutting-edge MIGS procedures like iStent, we offer modern, effective treatments aimed at preserving sight.
- Ongoing monitoring and support. Glaucoma is a lifelong condition — we partner with you long term to protect your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma can’t be cured, but it can be managed effectively. Early treatment and consistent monitoring often slow or prevent further vision loss.
Will I notice symptoms early?
Not usually — many people don’t notice vision changes until the disease is advanced. That’s why routine comprehensive eye exams are crucial.
What makes MIGS different from traditional glaucoma surgery?
MIGS procedures are less invasive, cause minimal tissue trauma, and offer faster recovery and fewer complications compared with traditional glaucoma operations.
Do I still need eye drops after iStent or iDose?
Some patients may continue to use medications after surgery or implant placement, depending on pressure control. Your surgeon will determine what’s best for your ongoing care.
How often should I have follow-up exams if I have glaucoma?
Regular follow-ups are essential. The frequency varies by disease severity and treatment — your doctor will recommend a schedule that best protects your vision.
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