Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that increase pressure in the fluid of the eye. This pressure, often called intraocular pressure, can damage the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. There are 4 major types of glaucoma:
- Open-angle glaucoma (the most common type)
- Angle-closure glaucoma (also called closed-angle glaucoma)
- Congenital glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
Called the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma typically has no symptoms. Vision loss happens gradually and it cannot be restored.
Glaucoma Symptoms and Treatments
Atalie Thompson, MD Assistant Chair of Ophthalmology speaks to Davie County Senior Services about Glaucoma, its causes, and the treatment options we offer at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Learn more about this condition for yourself or your loved ones.Glaucoma Diagnosis
The only way to diagnose glaucoma is by having a complete eye exam.
You will be given a test to check your eye pressure. In most cases, you will be given eye drops to widen (dilate) your pupil. When your pupil is dilated, your eye doctor will look at the inside of your eye and the optic nerve.
Glaucoma Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce your eye pressure. Treatment depends on the type of glaucoma that you have.
At the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Eye Center, our specialists care for patients of all ages who have any type or stage of glaucoma. We have vast clinical experience in evaluating patients who run the gamut of glaucoma issues.
Your glaucoma care plan will be developed based on input from you and tailored to your particular type of glaucoma and your individual situation.
We offer a range of medicinal, laser and surgical treatments for glaucoma patients.
Our Eye Center has a long history of participating in national clinical trials. We were 1 of only 14 sites nationwide that participated in the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study, which was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. This study evaluated whether treatment with medicines or treatment with surgery is safer and more effective for some patients with certain types and stages of glaucoma.