Early Detection and Treatment Leads to Healthy Eyesight

Normal eyes have pressure. Glaucoma is the abnormal elevation of eye pressure with resultant ocular and optic nerve injury causing loss of vision. Childhood glaucoma develops in 1 out of 10,000 children. Pediatric glaucoma is very different from adult glaucoma.  Pediatric glaucoma has many causes: Genetic (e.g. congenital glaucoma, infantile glaucoma, juvenile glaucoma) Following cataract surgery (aphakic glaucoma) Due to ocular inflammation (iritis) Trauma Malformations of the eye (Axenfeld-Rieger, aniridia, Peters anomaly) Diseases which affect the rest of the body (Sturge-Weber Syndrome, Lowe Syndrome, congenital rubella) There is a normal physiologic flow of fluid out of the eye. Glaucoma occurs when this drainage is impeded by abnormal development or injury to the porous drainage tissues. Childhood glaucoma may be of primary genetic origin or occur secondary to other pediatric eye diseases. A wide variety of systemic diseases may cause childhood glaucoma and must...

Does Marijuana Help Treat Glaucoma? : Medical marijuana is promoted as a treatment for many diseases, including glaucoma. And now that the sale and possession of marijuana has been legalized in states like Colorado and Washington, it can   it can be easier than ever to self medicate as a   glaucoma treatment   without consulting your ophthalmologist. But does it really work? Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve becomes damaged over time, reducing side vision. It sometimes leads to blindness. One cause of optic nerve damage in glaucoma is higher-than-normal pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure or "IOP"). Currently, the only way to control glaucoma and prevent vision loss is to lower your IOP levels. Your   ophthalmologist  can   treat glaucoma   with medication, such as prescription eye drops, or surgery, depending on the type of glaucoma and how severe it is. Learn more about:  Glaucoma treatment options The idea...

T here are many reasons patients with glaucoma may struggle to adhere to their treatment schedule, including forgetfulness, difficulty taking eye drops and unique circumstances. But for every unique circumstance, there is an equally unique solution. This January during Glaucoma Awareness Month, we are providing six tips to help you overcome glaucoma medication challenges: 1. Be honest about your medication difficulties. Missed a dose? It may not seem to matter much, but research shows that skipping doses can cause your glaucoma to become more severe. Be candid with your doctor about any problems you face in taking your medicine regularly, and ask about the best way to make up for a missed dose. The more you tell your doctor, the better he or she can help you find ways to customize your treatment plan to make it more manageable for your lifestyle. 2. Ask for help from your doctor and loved ones. It can be difficult to keep track of which meds to take and when. Talk with your doc...

Happy New Year to All! M illions of people in the United States are at risk for blindness, and some do not know it. During January’s Glaucoma Awareness Month, we are urging everyone who may be at risk for glaucoma to see an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam.   We recommend that those at risk have an eye exam at least every year.  Those at highest risk for glaucoma may include: Anyone over age 60 African-American heritage Hispanic heritage Patients with other health conditions, such as diabetes Those that have experienced a serious eye injury Patients with family history of glaucoma Patients who have been on steroid medications, including inhalers and nasal sprays, treatment for asthma, kidney disease and arthritis. Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged by high pressure inside the eye and other factors such as poor blood flow.  The most common type of Glaucoma is Open-Angle Glaucoma in which pressure in the eye builds up slowly and...