Glaucoma Treatment
At Alliance Vision Institute
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and due to its tendency to cause vision loss without warning, it’s been dubbed the “silent thief of sight.” At Alliance Vision Institute, serving patients from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Texas, and beyond, our ophthalmologists are glaucoma specialists who manage this condition with early detection, cutting-edge procedures, and a personally tailored treatment plan to get it under control before it affects your eye health.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which intraocular pressure (IOP) builds up in the eye, which can press on the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Two types of glaucoma are far more common than the rest:
- Open angle glaucoma makes up over 90% of cases. The eye’s drainage paths become clogged over time, causing fluid and IOP to build and damage your eye.
- Angle closure glaucoma is less common but much more urgent. Drainage paths in the eye suddenly become blocked, causing swift vision loss. It requires immediate medical center attention.
Signs & Symptoms of Glaucoma
There are different signs to look for with each of the two major types of glaucoma, but in both cases, symptoms can come on without warning. With open angle glaucoma, you may slowly notice smaller signs such as minor blind spots or the onset of tunnel vision. Angle closure glaucoma, on the other hand, has a much more rapid onset of symptoms, including blurry or distorted vision, headaches, eye pain, nausea, and sudden vision loss. If you observe any of these things, you should seek medical attention — but vision loss from glaucoma often isn’t noticeable until potentially permanent vision loss has occurred. That’s why we work diligently to catch and treat it early with thorough medical screenings.
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment at Alliance Vision Institute
At Alliance Vision Institute, our first goal is early detection of glaucoma, which gives us the best chance of stopping its progression. From there, we can determine the right course of glaucoma treatment for your unique case.
Medical Treatment for Glaucoma
One of the first things our eye doctors recommend for glaucoma patients is ophthalmic eye drops and oral medications designed to decrease IOP and help the eye drain fluid better.
iDose®TR
Prescription eye drops are the standard treatment for glaucoma, but many patients find them challenging to use properly, and they frequently experience discomfort or irritation. These issues often lead to poor adherence to the medication regimen, which can accelerate the progression of the disease.
iDose is an FDA-approved, innovative implantable device that continuously delivers medication directly to the eye, providing sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. This alternative to daily eye drops offers effective glaucoma treatment with fewer side effects. The procedure to implant iDose TR is minimally invasive, making it a more comfortable solution for patients compared to the frequent administration of prescription eye drops.
iDose TR lowers intraocular pressure by continuously delivering the same medication that has been a staple in glaucoma treatment for decades. In a clinical trial, 8 out of 10 patients were able to discontinue the use of prescription eye drops for 12 months following iDose TR implantation. This innovative approach is particularly helpful for patients who have difficulty maintaining a daily medication routine or whose glaucoma remains uncontrolled with traditional eye drops.
Laser Iridotomy & Laser Iridoplasty
Laser iridotomy and laser iridoplasty are trusted glaucoma surgeries in which lasers painlessly open drainage pathways through the peripheral area of the iris, which helps to lower IOP levels.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is the use of a lower-heat “cold laser” to make microscopic holes in your eye’s drainage meshwork, allowing fluid within the eye to drain more easily.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) uses modern, often microscopic technology to safely provide long-term solutions for high IOP. There are several categories of MIGS, which use different methods based on your unique case to relieve pressure within the eye: improving natural drainage, artificially creating new drainage pathways, or implanting medication that reduces the need for glaucoma drops.
Schedule A Consultation for Glaucoma Treatment
Patients from Grapevine, Southlake, Arlington, Bedford, Colleyville, Denton, Decatur, Lewisville, and Hurst should schedule a consultation today at our Fort Worth eye care clinic to ensure early detection and personalized treatment for glaucoma and other eye diseases. Don’t wait—our experienced ophthalmology team is here to provide comprehensive eye care and screenings tailored to your needs.
FAQs About Glaucoma
Who is at risk for developing glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain factors increase the risk, including age (over 60), a family history of the condition, African American or Hispanic descent, and certain health conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams are essential, especially for those at higher risk.
Can glaucoma cause blindness?
Yes, if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. Early detection is crucial to managing the condition and preventing severe complications.
How is glaucoma treated?
There are several effective glaucoma treatments, depending on the type and severity. These include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments, and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). In some cases, glaucoma surgery is necessary to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
How often should I get checked for glaucoma?
It’s recommended that individuals at higher risk for glaucoma undergo regular eye exams every 1-2 years. For those with a family history or other risk factors, your eye doctor may suggest more frequent checkups to monitor your eye health.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured, but with early detection and a proper treatment plan, the progression of the disease can be managed, and vision loss can be slowed or prevented.
What can I do to prevent glaucoma?
While glaucoma cannot be completely prevented, regular comprehensive eye exams, especially if you are in a high-risk group, are crucial for early detection. Managing conditions like diabetic retinopathy and maintaining overall good eye health can also reduce the risk of developing glaucoma.
What other eye conditions do you treat?
At Alliance Vision Institute, we treat a wide range of eye conditions to help protect and preserve your vision. Our expert team offers LASIK for vision correction, as well as advanced treatments for cataracts, including cataract surgery. We also manage age-related macular degeneration, which affects the central part of the retina, and provide care for patients with diabetic retinopathy. Our focus is on delivering top-tier healthcare and personalized treatment plans for all our patients, ensuring comprehensive care for every stage of your eye health.
Are You a Candidate for Glaucoma Treatment?
The doctors at Alliance Vision Institute have reviewed and approved this content.
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