Glaucoma

Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” and is the second-leading cause of blindness, with 44.7 million people worldwide diagnosed with the disease as of 2010. While most symptoms are hardly noticeable at first, the loss of vision occurs gradually over time; and once vision is lost, there is no replacing it.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, which is what sends visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is typically caused by increased pressure, also known as intraocular pressure.

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • African Americans over age 40
  • Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
  • People with a family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” and is the second-leading cause of blindness, with 44.7 million people worldwide diagnosed with the disease as of 2010. While most symptoms are hardly noticeable at first, the loss of vision occurs gradually over time; and once vision is lost, there is no replacing it.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, which is what sends visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is typically caused by increased pressure, also known as intraocular pressure.

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • African Americans over age 40
  • Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
  • People with a family history of glaucoma

Types of Glaucoma

There are three major types of glaucoma: open-angle (chronic), angle-closure (acute), and congenital.

  • Open-Angle Glaucoma
  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma
  • Congenital Glaucoma
  • Eating healthy foods

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, with 90 percent of all cases in the United States relating to this particular form of the disease. The pressure in the eye continues to slowly build over time, pushing against the optic nerve. It is painless and the only signs are gradual vision loss and changes in the optic nerve. Open-angle glaucoma runs in families and those of African descent are typically at a higher risk of contracting it.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is quick, severe and painful with the rise of pressure in the eye. If angle-closure glaucoma is detected in one eye, the patient is at risk for obtaining it in the other eye. Dilating eye drops or certain medicines can cause this type of glaucoma.

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma often runs in families and is detected slightly after birth. It is caused by abnormal eye development. Trauma, diseases and drugs like corticosteroids can cause secondary glaucoma.

Thorough eye examinations are needed to detect glaucoma. A tonometry test is also given to measure eye pressure; however, eye pressure constantly changes and some glaucoma patients present with normal eye pressure.

Treating Glaucoma

Immediate treatment for early-stage, open-angle glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That’s why early diagnosis is very important.

Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.

What People Are Saying

Esther Uboldi
2021-09-21
Excellent Staff especially Alie who went above and beyond and made sure I had everything that was needed and answered all of my questions ! Thank you !
Charley Ryan
2021-07-18
Excellent care
keri rivera
2021-07-06
Love this office. Astrid is really knowledgeable about skincare and makes good recommendations. I like Mrs. Patel for filler. She listens and takes her time to make patients are happy. Office staff are friendly.
Rafael Santana
2021-05-09
Dr Patel takes his time and answers each question and explains in detail which is the best treatment to follow, the staff of Dr Patel is incredibly dedicated to the best of the patient, my experience with Dr Patel was excellent, my surgery was a success and Dr Patel gives follow-up after the surgery as well as the office manager Alie, I recommend Dr Patel for the care of your eyes, from the reception with Andrea the eye care technician Rhiana and the extra service that offered in Dr Patel office with Astrid (spa skin care) is the place you must visit for the health of your eyes and for the beauty that goes with them.
Harvey Schwartz
2021-04-28
The best
Steve Chown
2021-03-24
Dr Patel saved my vision. I cannot thank him enough! The first week of January I suffered a pretty horrific eye injury playing Dek Hockey. I was struck directly in my left eye by a hard plastic ball traveling at 30-40mph. I was immediately blind in my left eye as it filled with blood. I went to the ER at ORMC and Dr Patel was called when it was determined by CT scan that I had a 5mm tear on my eyeball on the back side. He arrived to the hospital very quickly after they called him. He took me to surgery and repaired my torn eyeball. Discharged me at 330am and saw me back at his office for a follow up 7hrs later. He referred me to a retina specialist for further evaluation. I’m happy to say that not only has my vision returned as of yesterday I’m 20/25 in an eye that I was blind in not too long ago. He’s amazing. Thank you Dr Patel for being there 24/7 for those in need of your services!!

GET STARTED TODAY

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, Dr. Patel and his team provide compassionate, excellent care and treatment for patients throughout Central Florida.

Request an Appointment