Glaucoma

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More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The eye condition often develops without causing symptoms but can lead to permanent vision changes, including blindness. At Beraja Medical Institute, the board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists offer advanced diagnostic testing and treatments for glaucoma that are aimed at providing you with an early diagnosis and preventing permanent vision loss. To request an evaluation, contact the office in Coral Gables, Florida, by phone or online today.

• 786-899-2516

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Glaucoma Q & A

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What is glaucoma?

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Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects your optic nerve, which is the bundle of nerves that relays messages from your eyes to your brain. The condition most often develops due to an increase in fluid in the front of the eye, which places too much pressure on the optic nerve. Over time, the pressure damages the nerve, leading to permanent vision changes.  

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What are the types of glaucoma?

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Glaucoma is differentiated into types based on the underlying cause of your eye pressure. The types include:

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Borderline glaucoma

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Borderline glaucoma refers to the early stages of open-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma. With borderline glaucoma, you may experience permanent vision changes or the inability to maintain healthy vision. Once diagnosed with borderline glaucoma, the team at Beraja Medical Institute runs tests to determine the underlying cause. 

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Open-angle glaucoma

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Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and develops slowly over time. With open-angle glaucoma, your eye isn’t draining fluid fast enough. This type of glaucoma doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages, but, when left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

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Narrow-angle glaucoma

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Narrow-angle glaucoma is less common than open-angle glaucoma, but it’s more serious. With this type of glaucoma, your eye’s fluid drainage system is completely blocked, allowing fluid to build up quickly. With narrow-angle glaucoma, you need emergency eye care to prevent permanent vision changes.

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How is glaucoma diagnosed?

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The only way to diagnose glaucoma is after a comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, your ophthalmologist or optometrist at Beraja Medical Institute reviews your medical history and asks about vision changes. Then, your doctor performs a number of tests to assess vision and eye health, such as:

• Visual acuity

• Refraction test

• Retinal exam

Your doctor also performs a glaucoma screening, which measures your eye pressure and assesses your eye’s drainage system. Your doctor also evaluates your optic nerve, checks your peripheral vision, and measures the thickness of your cornea.

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How is glaucoma treated?

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The team at Beraja Medical Institute develops individualized treatment plans for glaucoma based on the type of glaucoma you have and your symptoms. Treatment focuses on alleviating eye pressure by decreasing fluid production or increasing fluid drainage. 

Your treatment plan may include:

• Prescription eye drops

• Placement of drainage devices

• Laser surgery 

Unfortunately, glaucoma treatment can’t repair any optic nerve damage, but it can prevent further damage and vision changes.

To schedule your eye exam and glaucoma screening, call Beraja Medical Institute or request an appointment online today.

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