Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by high intraocular pressure. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

There are several types, each with its own unique causes and risk factors. However, they all have one thing in common: the potential to damage the optic nerve. If left untreated, this damage can lead to irreversible vision loss.

What You Need to Know

Dr. Carlos Montoya MD and the team at St. Lucia Eye Center specialize in personalized glaucoma care, offering the latest procedures to help patients maintain healthy vision.

Dr. Montoya Offers Tailored Treatments Based on Each Patient’s Needs Using the Latest Technologies to Prevent Vision Loss Effectively

Benefits

  • Early diagnosis helps prevent vision loss
  • Advanced treatments to reduce intraocular pressure
  • Laser procedures that are minimally invasive
  • Personalized care plans to slow disease progression
  • Ongoing monitoring to preserve sight
Glaucoma at Eye Care Clinic in Los Angeles - St. Lucia Eye Center

What is Glaucoma?

A group of conditions that compromise your optic nerve. Among the different types, the most common are open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma.

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Symptoms
  • Blurry or tunnel vision
  • Loss of peripheral vision
  • Severe eye pain
  • Nausea and vomiting (in acute cases)
  • Haloes around lights
In the early stages, this condition often shows no symptoms; therefore, regular eye exams are essential for early detection.

Types of Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common type is caused by a trabecular meshwork that prevents fluid from draining in your eye, which leads to increased intraocular pressure and damages the optic nerve.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

This type is characterized by a blockage in the drainage angle formed by the iris and cornea, causing the iris to push forward and block fluid drainage. As a result, intraocular pressure rises suddenly.

Causes of Glaucoma

It primarily occurs due to elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve. However, several factors can contribute to its development, including:

Elevated Intraocular Pressure

A buildup of fluid in the eye raises pressure, which can ultimately damage the optic nerve.

Poor Drainage of Eye Fluid

Issues with the eye's drainage system can lead to fluid buildup, resulting in increased pressure.

Age

The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, particularly after 60.

Family History

Having a family member with glaucoma increases the risk of developing the condition.

High Blood Pressure

Chronic hypertension can contribute to the condition due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.

Eye Injury

Previous eye trauma can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

We Believe That Everyone Deserves to Enjoy Life With
Clear Vision

For patients with this condition, we offer implant-free, minimally invasive technologies that are specifically designed to reduce intraocular pressure in adults. As a result, you can expect a safer and quicker recovery. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today!

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Once diagnosed, this condition demands swift attention since it tends to progress without treatment. With this in mind, treatment strategies focus on lowering intraocular pressure and safeguarding vision.

Tonometry (Eye Pressure Test)

It measures the pressure inside the eye, which helps in detection.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

A non-invasive imaging technique that delivers detailed images of the retina and optic nerve.

Visual Field Test

The visual field test helps measure peripheral vision, particularly in advanced stages.

This condition can often progress silently in its early stages, showing no noticeable symptoms. As a result, regular eye exams play a crucial role in detecting it early and preventing irreversible damage to the optic nerve.

An eye chart that can be used to measure visual acuity

When Do You Need Treatment?

Once diagnosed, this condition needs immediate attention because it usually worsens without treatment. Consequently, treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure and preserving vision.

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Are you a Candidate?
  • Individuals over age 40 with a family history of glaucoma
  • Those with elevated intraocular pressure
  • People diagnosed with open-angle or closed-angle glaucoma
Timing

Early detection improves the effectiveness of treatments in preventing further vision loss.

Driving Requirements

Glaucoma can impact peripheral vision, eventually making it unsafe to drive in its advanced stages.

Scheduling

Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure and vision is necessary to ensure the condition is well-managed.

What you should know about glaucoma

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma gradually worsens over time; therefore, it requires continuous management. As a result, early intervention and routine monitoring play a vital role in preserving vision.

Early Treatment is Key

With early intervention, glaucoma can often be controlled, preventing significant vision loss.

Risk Factors

Family history, age, ethnicity, and high blood pressure are all significant risk factors for developing glaucoma.

Lifelong Monitoring

At this time, glaucoma requires ongoing care and monitoring to manage intraocular pressure and preserve vision.

Our Services

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