Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually decrease vision by damaging the optic nerve. It is most often associated with an increase in the intraocular pressure (IOP).
It affects millions of Americans and is one of the leading causes of blindness in America. It is estimated that over half of those who have glaucoma do not know they have it.
African-Americans are at particular risk for having the disease. It can be hereditary and its incidence and severity increases with age.
How Do You Know If You Have Glaucoma?
Glaucoma does not have any early symptoms. When it becomes symptomatic, the disease is usually in advanced stages. This is because it occurs very gradually and affects peripheral vision first. If you are over 35 and have a history of glaucoma in your immediate family, you should be evaluated for glaucoma. Patients over 50 years of age should also have a complete medical eye exam to rule out this silent disease.
Testing for Glaucoma
The tonometry test measures the inner pressure of the eye. Usually drops are used to numb the eye. Then the doctor or technician will use a special device that measures the eye’s pressure.
Ophthalmoscopy is used to examine the inside of the eye, especially the optic nerve. The doctor will look at the shape and color of the optic nerve. If the pressure in the eye is not in the normal range, or if the optic nerve looks unusual, then one or two special glaucoma tests will be done. These two tests are called perimetry and gonioscopy. There is also a new method available called optical coherence tomography.
- The perimetry test is also called a visual field test. During this test, you will be asked to look straight ahead and then indicate when a light is seen in your peripheral (or side) vision. This helps draw a “map” of your vision. It is a good indicator of the amount of vision loss you have from glaucoma.
- Gonioscopy is an eye test that checks if the angle where the iris meets the cornea is open or closed, showing if either open angle or closed angle glaucoma is present. The angle is where fluid drains out of the eye, thereby controlling the pressure.
- Optical coherence tomography is a new method to measure the health of the optic nerve. During this two-minute test, a light is used to measure the thickness of the nerve layer in the back of the eye. Sequential measurements over months or years can then be compared to see if the glaucoma damage is stable or getting worse.
SightScore™ Genetic Testing
In addition to these standard tests, we now offer SightScore™, a simple saliva test that analyzes millions of genetic markers to determine your personal risk for developing glaucoma or for disease progression if you already have it. This information helps empower you and your doctor to take action sooner with a care plan tailored to you. SightScore™ is especially useful for people with a family history of glaucoma, those with borderline test results, and individuals seeking a more personalized approach to protecting their vision.
The process is simple: after discussing the test with your provider, a saliva sample is collected in the office and sent for analysis. Within four weeks, your provider will review your personalized report and recommendations.
SightScore™ is a one‑time, out‑of‑pocket investment in your eye health that delivers priceless insight into your glaucoma risk. While it isn’t covered by Medicare or insurance, we provide clear, upfront pricing during your visit so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Treatment of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can be treated in many ways. Most often the disease can be controlled with eye drops to decrease the intraocular pressure. Laser therapy is usually the next step in the process. This treatment is done in our office and is relatively painless. The eye is anesthetized with eye drops only and the drainage part of the eye is lasered using tiny burst of energy. This enables the eye to drain the fluid more effectively and thereby reduces the eye pressure. The final stage in the treatment of glaucoma is surgical intervention. During glaucoma surgery a new communication is created between the inside of your eye and the outside. This new drain is called a filter or a “bleb”. If surgery is successful, one can often have low pressures and stable vision without the use of eye drops.
At Center for Sight, we offer the most advanced and minimally invasive treatments available to protect your vision and help you live life clearly. Here’s a quick guide to the options we may recommend based on your unique needs:
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
A gentle laser treatment to lower eye pressure with no surgery and no downtime
SLT is a safe, in-office laser procedure that helps your eye drain fluid more effectively, which lowers pressure inside the eye. The treatment is quick, feels like a standard eye exam, and you can go home the same day. Many patients find they need fewer or no eye drops afterward.
MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
MIGS are a group of advanced procedures designed to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma using tiny, precise surgical techniques. This technique can often be combined with cataract surgery and are a great option for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma who need better pressure control. Unlike traditional glaucoma surgeries, MIGS procedures are less invasive, involve smaller incisions, and typically allow for faster recovery with fewer risks.
Below are a description of each type we offer at Center for Sight.
Durysta® Implant
One small implant with long-lasting results and no daily drops
Durysta is a tiny dissolvable implant placed inside your eye during a simple office visit. It slowly releases medication over several months to help lower pressure in the eye, offering relief without the need to remember daily eye drops.
iDose® TR Implant
A long-acting solution that delivers medication directly into your eye
This small device is placed inside your eye and steadily releases glaucoma medicine for months or even years. It takes the stress out of daily drop schedules and provides around-the-clock pressure control to help protect your vision.
XEN® Gel Stent
A soft, flexible implant that quietly helps reduce eye pressure
XEN is a small gel-like tube that helps drain fluid from the eye more effectively. It is a good option for patients with more advanced glaucoma or those whose medications are not working well enough. The procedure is minimally invasive and can provide long-term pressure control.
Hydrus® Microstent
A tiny stent placed during cataract surgery that delivers big benefits
Hydrus® Microstent is about the size of an eyelash and is inserted into the eye’s natural drainage canal to improve fluid flow. It is often done at the same time as cataract surgery and helps reduce eye pressure and reliance on drops.
iStent Infinite®
Three small stents placed in one procedure for lasting eye pressure relief
iStent Infinite® is a treatment option that involves placing three tiny stents into your eye’s drainage system. It is ideal for patients with open-angle glaucoma who are looking for long-term pressure control without daily medication.
LPI (Laser Peripheral Iridotomy)
A quick laser treatment to protect against sudden pressure spikes
LPI is used to prevent angle-closure glaucoma, which can cause a rapid and dangerous rise in eye pressure. A small laser creates an opening in the iris to allow fluid to flow more freely. It is a fast and preventive procedure that protects your long-term vision.
OMNI Canaloplasty + Trabeculotomy
A two-in-one procedure that restores your eye’s natural drainage
The OMNI system gently opens and clears your eye’s drainage channels using two techniques. First, canaloplasty widens the channels. Then trabeculotomy clears the inner drainage pathway. There are no permanent implants, and the procedure works with your eye’s natural structure to lower pressure.
We are here to help you choose the treatment that best fits your lifestyle and the stage of your glaucoma. Whether you are looking for fewer drops, a faster recovery, or long-term control, we will tailor your care to keep your vision clear and your life in focus.