Glaucoma Treatment in Detroit

Also serving Rochester, Troy, & Macomb

Rochester Eye Care specializes in the comprehensive management of eye diseases. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and can cause people to lose their vision even without any visual symptoms or pain.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. Although the nerve damage is usually associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, other factors can be involved. It may begin with the loss of peripheral vision and then advance to a reduction in central vision. Glaucoma can potentially lead to vision loss or blindness.

Most people who have glaucoma don’t notice symptoms until they begin to lose some vision. A board-certified ophthalmologist can potentially prevent or delay vision loss from glaucoma if it’s detected and treated in time.

Who is at Risk of Glaucoma?

• Individuals over age 60 and African-Americans over age 40 have an increased risk that rises with age
• People with a family history of glaucoma
• People with other health conditions, such as diabetes
• Those that have experienced a serious eye injury are also considered at risk

Anyone who falls into one or more of these categories should talk with an ophthalmologist about how often an eye examination should be conducted to ensure good vision. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision.

Glaucoma Testing with the GDX VCC^® Nerve Fiber Analyzer

Detroit glaucoma specialist, Dr. Weingarten, uses the GDX VCC® Nerve Fiber Analyzer laser scanning system, to help make an earlier diagnosis of glaucoma and manage the disease. It creates images of the patient’s eye that depict the thickness of the nerve fiber layer of the retina.

The test is painless and takes less than a minute to perform. This enables Dr. Weingarten to diagnose glaucoma earlier than standard tests such as visual field testing and those that measure intraocular pressure. Having this equipment in the Rochester Eye Care office allows Dr. Weingarten and staff to provide the most advanced and comprehensive service for patients.

Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Narrow Angle Glaucoma is the chronic form of glaucoma that slowly causes damage to the optic nerve, so slowly that the patient may not even realize it. Most of our Detroit and Rochester glaucoma patients who have this condition are treated with eye drops to help lower the pressure. However, laser or surgical treatment may be necessary if the pressure is not controlled.

Open Angle Glaucoma

Open Angle Glaucoma is a more acute form of glaucoma that causes a sudden onset of pain and loss of vision. Acute glaucoma usually requires immediate medical treatment and subsequent laser surgery to quickly open drainage passages. Regular eye exams are the best way to check for glaucoma. Using specialized instruments, your eye doctor can test for glaucoma and other visual problems.

Learn More About Glaucoma Treatment in Detroit

Our eye care specialists will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and will help choose the glaucoma treatment plan that right for you. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weingarten, please contact our Rochester, MI office today.