Glaucoma Treatment in Northfield, MN
Keep Your Vision in Focus
Have you heard about glaucoma? Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can gradually steal your vision without any warning signs. It’s a disease that deserves more attention because of its potentially severe impact on your eye health. Our team at River Valley Eye Professionals provides comprehensive care to detect and manage glaucoma, helping you preserve your sight.
Let’s Take a Closer Look
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. Imagine the optic nerve as a bundle of electrical wires transmitting visual information from your eye to your brain. When these wires are damaged, your vision is affected.
It’s Not All The Same
The Different Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, each with its own characteristics:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type. It occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to increased eye pressure.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type is less common but more severe. It occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes blocked suddenly.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: The optic nerve is damaged even though eye pressure remains within the normal range. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed to be related to poor blood flow.
- Secondary Glaucoma: This can occur due to an eye injury, inflammation, certain medications, or other eye conditions.
- Congenital Glaucoma: This rare type occurs in infants and is caused by abnormal eye development.
Glaucoma Screenings in Northfield, MN
How We Aim to Protect Your Vision
Clear visibility is crucial for safe navigation. We use advanced technology to get a precise view of your eyes, enabling us to detect glaucoma early and monitor its progression effectively.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This is like an ultrasound for your eyes, providing high-resolution cross-sectional retina images. This non-invasive imaging technique allows us to see the layers of your retina in detail, helping us identify any thinning or damage to the optic nerve fibers.
- Humphrey Field Analyzer 3: This tests your peripheral vision, which is often affected by glaucoma. This device maps your field of vision, helping us detect any blind spots or areas of vision loss.
- Diopsys® RETINA PLUS™ Vision Testing System: This measures how well your visual system functions. It’s similar to an electrocardiogram (EKG) for your eyes, evaluating the health of your retinal cells.
- Icare ONE: The icare ONE tonometer measures your intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma. The device is user-friendly and non-invasive, making it easy to monitor your eye pressure.
Glaucoma FAQs: What You Need to Know
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing glaucoma, including:
- Age: People over 60 are at higher risk.
- Family History: If glaucoma runs in your family.
- Ethnicity: African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
- Eye Conditions: Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, previous eye injuries, and certain eye surgeries.
- Use of Steroid Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids.
Will I have any symptoms?
Glaucoma often develops without symptoms in its early stages, much like a thief sneaking in quietly without setting off any alarms. Here are some signs to help you determine if you might be at risk:
- Frequent headaches or eye pain
- Seeing halos around lights
- Peripheral vision that is gradually diminishing
- Difficulty adjusting to dark rooms
- Sudden vision loss or blurred vision
Schedule an eye exam at River Valley Eye Professionals if these signs seem familiar.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Treatments include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, and surgery to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve.
How often should I get tested for glaucoma?
It’s recommended that adults over 40 get a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years. If you have risk factors for glaucoma, your eye doctor may suggest more frequent testing.
Eye Care and Referrals at River Valley Eye Professionals
We’re Here for Whatever You Need
Based on your diagnosis, we create a personalized treatment plan. This may include medications, laser therapy, or surgical options to lower eye pressure and protect your optic nerve. We continuously monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed. If your condition requires specialized care beyond our scope, we have a network of trusted glaucoma specialists to whom we can refer you.
Here For You Every Step of The Way
Meet Our Trusted Eye Doctors
We understand that eye care is personal and can sometimes feel intimidating. Our eye doctors take the time to answer your questions, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed throughout your visit. We provide precise diagnoses and effective treatments, always explaining each step in clear, simple terms. Whether you’re here for a routine eye exam or a more specialized treatment, you can trust that our team will take care of you to the outmost of their ability.
Dr. Miliner | Dr. Heilman | Dr. Bosworth (Amunrud)