Advanced Glaucoma Specialist

What is advanced glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that stem from long-term pressure on the eye’s optic nerve, essential for healthy eyesight. What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is its asymptomatic nature. Glaucoma can develop for several years before it impacts your eyesight. 

At Mile High Eye Institute, the team regularly treats advanced glaucoma cases. Dr. Vest is one of the leading glaucoma specialists in Colorado and offers multiple treatments to repair damage and protect your vision.

Are there different types of advanced glaucoma?

There are two main types of glaucoma that the team at Mile High Eye Institute treats:

Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the trabecular meshwork, the tissue located at the base of the cornea, becomes blocked. As a result, fluid cannot flow as it should, leading to significant eye pressure. Open-angle glaucoma is often so gradual that you might not notice problems with your vision until it advances. It’s also the most common form of glaucoma.

Closed-angle glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma is a progression of its open-angle counterpart that occurs when the trabecular meshwork becomes completely blocked. This form of advanced glaucoma is dangerous without the right care. It can cause extreme eye pressure, blurred vision, severe headaches, and eye pain.

What are the symptoms of advanced glaucoma?

While glaucoma may not cause symptoms in its early stages, it can eventually lead to:

• Peripheral blind spots
• Blurred vision
• Redness
• Headaches
• Eye pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Halos or colors around lights

The best way to relieve the symptoms of glaucoma is to seek treatment right away. Without proper care, advanced glaucoma can lead to blindness.

What causes advanced glaucoma?

Glaucoma happens when the optic nerve sustains too much pressure, usually from fluid buildup. Common risk factors for advanced glaucoma include:

• Age (being over age 60)
• Previous eye injury
• Past eye surgery
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
• High internal eye pressure
• A family history of glaucoma

The team at Mile High Eye Institute performs comprehensive eye exams to help determine your risk for glaucoma.

What are the treatments for advanced glaucoma?

The two most common treatments for advanced glaucoma include:

Medications

Prescription eye drops can either decrease the amount of fluid the eye produces to relieve pressure on the optic nerve or increase fluid flow through the trabecular meshwork.

Laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery involves either opening the trabecular meshwork or creating a tiny hole in the iris to encourage fluid flow.

To learn more about advanced glaucoma, schedule an eye exam with the team. Call Mile High Eye Institute or book an appointment online today.