Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Basically, glaucoma is an elevated internal eye pressure which can lead to an irreversible loss of vision. There are different types of glaucoma. The most important risk factors to developing the disease are:

• Age
• Family history of glaucoma
• Past eye injuries
• Systemic health problems, including diabetes, migraine headaches, and poor circulation

An eye exam performed by Dr. Montoya is the best method to detect glaucoma.

Glaucoma can be mostly controlled through the use of daily drops. For certain types of glaucoma it may be necessary to undergo laser surgery, or with certain types it may be necessary to undergo surgery at a hospital. In general, the damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, therefore, never change or stop using the medications prescribed by Dr. Montoya.