Kelly Eye Center

Glaucoma and Glaucoma Treatment

Could I Be Experiencing Loss of Vision and Not Know It?

The answer is YES! GLAUCOMA is a leading cause of blindness throughout the world, especially in the African-American population. In most cases, GLAUCOMA eye problems have no symptoms, leading doctors to believe that over 50% of GLAUCOMA patients are undiagnosed. Once damage occurs due to GLAUCOMA, it is irreversible. That means the earliest detection of loss of vision or tunnel vision and glaucoma treatment is essential to preserving good vision.

At The Kelly Eye Center in Raleigh-Durham, NC, we take pride in being able to provide our patients comprehensive, in-depth ocular health evaluations to detect GLAUCOMA-related tunnel vision in its earliest stages, even before it contributes to a total loss of vision. Using the latest technology available, combined with years of experience, we can determine the best course of glaucoma treatment, whether its medication, laser treatment or surgery.

Contact The Kelly Eye Center in one of our Raleigh-Durham, NC locations today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation for glaucoma treatment. Don't let GLAUCOMA sneak up and give you loss of vision or other serious eye problems!

Understanding Glaucoma and Glaucoma Treatment at Our Raleigh, Durham, NC Centers

Glaucoma is a degenerative disease that if left untreated can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve, resulting in gradual loss of vision, tunnel vision, and eventual blindness. Damage to the optic nerve due to glaucoma is usually caused by an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Clear fluid, called aqueous humor, circulates through the eye to provide nourishment to the tissue and applies pressure to help maintain the shape of the eye.

Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, but can be prevented with early detection and glaucoma treatment. Glaucoma management is usually a lifelong process that requires frequent monitoring and constant treatment. Since there is no way to determine if glaucoma is under control based on how a person feels, doctor visits should be on a regular basis.

Treatment concentrates on lowering the pressure inside the eye to prevent optic nerve damage. Eye drops are most commonly used to control glaucoma, however, they can be very expensive, have unwanted side effects, and may need to be taken for the rest of your life. If non-surgical glaucoma treatment methods fail to decrease pressure, surgery may be required. Some surgical procedures include selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), a peripheral iridotomy (PI), or a trabeculectomy glaucoma treatment.

About Glaucoma and Related Tunnel Vision

Open-angle glaucoma, and related loss of vision and tunnel vision, occurs when there is an increase in fluid production or a decrease in fluid drainage, destroying optic nerve fibers and gradually causing peripheral (side) vision loss and potential eye pain. Aqueous humor flows out of the eye through the trabecular meshwork near the edge of the iris. If the trabecular meshwork is blocked, restricting drainage, the pressure inside the eye increases.

Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, but can be prevented with early detection and glaucoma treatment. Glaucoma management is usually a lifelong process that requires frequent monitoring and constant treatment. Since there is no way to determine if glaucoma is under control based on how a person feels, doctor visits should be on a regular basis.

The Kelly Eye Center proudly serves Raleigh, Cary, Henderson, Knightdale, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Durham, Garner, Chapel Hill and Warrenton, NC