What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
Warning signs and symptoms of glaucoma include blurring of peripheral vision, and blind/fuzzy spots in one’s eyesight or pain in or around the eye. The biggest threat and complication with detecting glaucoma is that there aren’t always symptoms until loss of sight begins to occur. Although, since vision quality deteriorates slowly, those who receive treatment early rarely result in complete lack of sight.

Who gets glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the second largest cause of legal blindness, and unfortunately loss of sight due to glaucoma cannot be restored. Nearly half of people with glaucoma don’t even know they are victim to the disease. The largest populations at risk for glaucoma are people over 60 years of age, anyone with a history of glaucoma or serious eye disorders in their family, and African Americans. Like with most other diseases and disorders it is best if all people over the age of 35 get tested by an optometrist every couple years for warning signs. These checks should become more frequent later in life to help ensure continued eye health and to increase the possibility of catching disorders like glaucoma before it is uncontrollable.

What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disorder that is caused by damage to the optic nerve by excessive pressure in the eye (IOP/ intraocular pressure). Most commonly glaucoma is a hereditary disease that runs in the family. Glaucoma can also develop secondarily as a result of other eye disorders (e.g. cataracts or diabetes)

Are there multiple types of glaucoma?
There are different types of glaucoma; closed angle glaucoma, and open angle glaucoma (most common). The different types refer to the different areas in which the eye has complications draining, and therefore how each differently affects the field of vision, as well as how each is treated. As it is the most common form, open angle glaucoma is also the most dangerous because it has fewer/no significant warning signs such as pain from pressure or disturbed field of vision. The pressure builds and damages slowly over time.

What are the treatment options?
The earlier glaucoma is detected, the better chance of prevention and protection of current eye sight. Treatment options for glaucoma most frequently include topical treatments and medications such as eye drops; because glaucoma is not yet curable, a patient has their best chance maintaining current sight quality and preventing further damage. Laser surgery is another advantageous option, because it can alleviate blockage in the drainage passages, and help to regulate the pressure within the eye with less day to day maintenance. Nevertheless, there are some risks to be weighed against the benefits so it depends on the characteristics of the individual case, and whether the patient and physician see it as the favorable treatment process.

SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) Therapy
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) is a safe and simple in-office laser treatment that effectively reduces the pressure in the eye for most patients with glaucoma. The SLT mechanism of effect does not rely on medicines, instead, it uses an advanced laser system to target only specific cells of the eye—those containing melanin, a natural pigment. This allows for only these cells to be affected, leaving surrounding tissue intact. As a result, your body’s own healing response helps lower the pressure in your eye.

Benefits of SLT

• Safe: SLT is not associated with systemic side effects or the compliance and cost issues of medications.
• Selective: SLT utilizes selective photothermolysis to target only specific cells, leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
• Smart: SLT stimulates the body's natural mechanisms to enhance outflow of the fluid in your eye.
• Sensible: SLT therapy is reimbursed by Medicare and many other insurance providers, which minimizes your out-of-pocket expenses.