Glaucoma Care - Albuquerque, NM
Glaucoma is an eye disease known for the intense pressure it causes on the inside of the eye. It is caused by multiple eye conditions that result in optic nerve damage and can cause blind spots and loss of vision.
This condition is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The damage can happen gradually, and many do not even notice it until the disease has reached advanced stages. The most common type of glaucoma comes with almost no symptoms other than gradual vision loss, causing those affected not to take notice.
Primary open-angle glaucoma, the harder of the types to detect, only includes gradual loss of peripheral vision, leading to tunnel vision in advanced stages. This usually occurs in both eyes and goes unnoticed by many. Acute angle-closure glaucoma, another common type of condition, is completely different in its signs and symptoms. The symptoms can include eye pain, sudden onset of visual disturbance, blurred vision, halos around lights, reddening of the eye, and even nausea and vomiting, caused by the pain. Eventually, all types of glaucoma can lead to blindness if not treated.
Unfortunately, there is no absolute cure for glaucoma, nor can the damaged vision be restored. Early treatment options for the condition include eye drops, oral medications, or surgery. If caught early enough and treated appropriately, the damage can be prevented!
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery is just as it sounds; a treatment used to prevent or reduce damage to the optic nerve without as many complications and achieved through a more confined procedure.
Such procedures are done with lasers or by making microscopic-sized incisions and using tiny instruments. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries are considered extremely safe, and can be broken down into the following methods:
- Redirecting excess fluid to lower pressure
- Improving the eye’s drainage system to lower pressure
- Decreasing the production of ocular fluid to lower pressure
Southwest Eyecare is proud to offer various options for each of these methods, and invites you to schedule an exam today to see which is right for you!
Request an EvaluationShould You Consider Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)?
If you're seeking glaucoma treatment, you must consider all your options with a highly qualified ophthalmologist you can trust. Everyone's eyes are different, and the correct solution for your eyes depends on many factors, including how advanced your glaucoma is.
Not too long ago, the only option to treat glaucoma was traditional surgery. While this can be effective in many cases, it also carries the risks of complications. Any surgery opens you up to the possibility of infection and scarring, and traditional glaucoma surgery can also have other risks. For instance, it can lead to double vision or lower pressure in the eye too much, creating a new set of problems.
New technology can reduce these risks by pinpointing specific problems, causing an increase in pressure. Surgeons can then target these problems with MIGS, using techniques that cause minimal tissue trauma and reduce your risk of complications.
It is possible that the MIGS procedure won't reduce enough of the pressure in the eye for those with advanced glaucoma. If this happens, you will have to follow up with traditional surgery. An ophthalmologist can help you weigh these pros and cons and help you choose the right approach.
Have questions or want more information?
Schedule an evaluation today or give us a call!
Southwest Eyecare
7110 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM
Phone: (505) 346-0500
Fax: (505) 346-0164
Our Location
7110 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109