Glaucoma Management
Picture this: You notice your peripheral vision fading during family dinners, unable to see your grandchildren playing at the edges of the room. You may dismiss this as a normal part of aging, but glaucoma might be the actual culprit affecting your vision. This scenario plays out all too often because glaucoma develops silently. But, there’s still hope! With today’s advanced detection methods and effective treatments, you can take control of your eye health and preserve your vision for decades to come.
At Vision Source Mandan, we offer comprehensive glaucoma management services designed to detect this condition early and maintain your vision clarity throughout your life. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Brittany Schauer, combines state-of-the-art diagnostic technology with personalized treatment plans to effectively monitor and manage eye diseases, such as glaucoma, for patients throughout Mandan, Bismarck, and surrounding North Dakota communities.
Understanding Glaucoma and Its Impact
Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, typically caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve carries visual information from your eye to your brain, and when damaged by glaucoma, this connection becomes compromised, leading to permanent vision loss. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, approximately 4.2 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, with nearly half of those being unaware of their condition.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually without noticeable symptoms. Patients may not realize they have the condition until they’ve lost significant peripheral vision. This makes regular comprehensive eye examinations essential, as your eye doctor can identify early signs of glaucoma before symptoms appear.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma presents another challenge, as it can occur even when eye pressure remains within normal ranges. This variation highlights the importance of comprehensive glaucoma screening, which involves more than just measuring eye pressure.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology for Early Detection
Modern glaucoma management relies heavily on sophisticated diagnostic equipment to detect the disease in its earliest stages. At our practice, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide thorough evaluations for glaucoma.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT creates detailed images of your optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, allowing us to detect structural changes before functional vision loss occurs. This non-invasive imaging helps establish baseline measurements and monitor changes over time.
Visual Field Testing
Visual field testing maps your peripheral vision, identifying areas where glaucoma may have caused damage. These tests help pinpoint the extent of vision loss and monitor disease progression during treatment.
Tonometry
Tonometry measures intraocular pressure, a key risk factor for the development of glaucoma. We use multiple methods to ensure accurate pressure readings throughout the day, as eye pressure can fluctuate significantly.
Pachymetry
Pachymetry measures corneal thickness, which influences eye pressure readings and affects your risk of developing glaucoma. Thinner corneas may indicate a higher risk, while thicker corneas might provide some protection.
Comprehensive Treatment Methods
Glaucoma treatment typically focuses on reducing intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Eye Drops
Prescription eye drops remain the first-line treatment for most patients with glaucoma. These medications work through various mechanisms, including reducing fluid production in the eye or improving drainage. Your eye doctor will determine the most beneficial medication based on your specific type of glaucoma and medical history.
Combination Therapy
Some patients benefit from combination therapies that use multiple medications to obtain optimal blood pressure control. We carefully monitor your response to treatment and adjust medications as needed to maintain healthy eye pressure levels.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments are another effective option for certain glaucoma types. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) enhances drainage in the eye’s natural filtration system, potentially reducing the need for daily eye drops. This outpatient procedure typically takes just minutes to complete.
Surgical Intervention
When medications and laser treatments prove insufficient, surgical intervention may become necessary. We work closely with trusted ophthalmologic surgeons to ensure you receive appropriate surgical care when needed, while continuing to provide ongoing management and monitoring.
Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies
Understanding glaucoma risk factors helps identify patients who need more frequent screening and earlier intervention.
- Age: Age poses the most significant risk, with glaucoma risk increasing considerably after age 60.
- Genetics: Family history also increases your glaucoma risk, as the condition often runs in families. If you have relatives with glaucoma, inform your eye doctor during examinations to ensure appropriate screening frequency.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, may increase glaucoma risk. We work with your other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care addresses all aspects of your health.
Regular comprehensive eye examinations remain your best defense against vision loss from glaucoma. Early detection allows us to treat your condition as quickly as possible, substantially improving long-term outcomes.
Living Well with Glaucoma
Receiving a glaucoma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but with proper management, most patients maintain excellent quality of life and preserve functional vision throughout their lives. Understanding your condition and following prescribed treatment plans are essential for optimal outcomes.
Lifestyle modifications can support your glaucoma treatment. Regular exercise may help lower eye pressure, while protecting your eyes from injury becomes increasingly important. We provide guidance on activities and precautions appropriate for your specific situation.
Support from family and friends helps ensure treatment compliance and emotional well-being. We encourage patients to share their diagnosis with close contacts who can assist with medication reminders and transportation to appointments when needed.
Trust Vision Source Mandan for Expert Glaucoma Care
For over 70 years, Vision Source Mandan has provided exceptional eye care to residents throughout our community. Our commitment to advanced technology and personalized patient care ensures you receive the highest quality glaucoma management services available. Dr. Schauer’s experience in glaucoma treatment, combined with our practice’s long-standing reputation for excellence, gives you confidence in your care.
As part of the prestigious Vision Source network, we have access to the newest diagnostic equipment and treatment innovations, ensuring you benefit from cutting-edge glaucoma management techniques. We’re dedicated to preserving your vision and helping you maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle despite your glaucoma diagnosis. Call us today at 701-663-0313 or contact our team to schedule your comprehensive glaucoma evaluation.