Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which the pressure of fluid inside the eyeball is too high for the healthy functioning of the optic nerve. This is caused by obstructed outflow or hypersecretion of the fluid. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to partial or complete loss of vision.

Glaucoma is often called the “sneak thief of sight”. People with glaucoma may have no pain or visible symptoms, and in the early stages, it is tough to recognize. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in America. It affects between 2 and 3 million Americans each year. Many of those affected do not even know they have the disorder. Because it often has few or no warning signs until damage has already occurred to the eye, untreated glaucoma permanently damages the optic nerve, leading to blindness. If detected early enough, the progression of the disease can be halted with medical and surgical options. The doctors at Southwestern Eye Center offer annual eye examinations for individuals over the age of 40 to monitor for eye diseases such as glaucoma, allowing for proper treatment and the prevention of vision loss. To schedule an eye exam at one of our Arizona (including the Phoenix metro area, Tucson, and Flagstaff) or New Mexico (Deming and Las Cruces) locations, call 480-854-8185 today.

What are our treatment options for Glaucoma?

Dose® TR

A micro-implant that makes a major impact.
iDose TR is a tiny implant that continuously releases glaucoma medication directly inside the eye. This innovative approach helps control eye pressure without the hassle of daily drops.

DSLT

Next-generation glaucoma laser treatment.
Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) is the newest advancement in SLT technology. Like traditional SLT, it effectively lowers eye pressure—but with a significant difference: the treatment is automated, non-contact, and takes only 2.5 seconds to deliver.

SLT

A proven laser option for lowering eye pressure.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe, five-minute laser procedure that improves the eye’s natural drainage system. By reducing intraocular pressure (IOP)—the leading risk factor for glaucoma progression—SLT helps protect your vision over time.

MIGS

Minimally invasive. Maximum vision protection.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) provides a low-risk surgical option for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma. By reducing eye pressure through tiny incisions, MIGS offers effective results with a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma is diagnosed in routine eye exams.  As we have stated most cases of glaucoma are typically not suspected by patients. They are usually detected in the course of an eye examination or done for some other reason, such as “routine” exams, cataract evaluations, or even follow-up of a patient with macular degeneration. It is much better to discover this before it becomes a problem.

The best defense against glaucoma is regular eye examinations by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. Early detection can mean the difference between normal and lost vision.

Our glaucoma specialists at Southwestern Eye Center are focused on patient well-being and the preservation of vision.