Glaucoma is an eye disease that can harm your optic nerve, which is responsible for relaying visual information to your brain. When left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent blind spots and/or complete blindness. This is usually caused by elevated intraocular pressure in your eye from fluid buildup.
Initially, glaucoma doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms, which makes it important to have regular eye exams with Dr. James E. Croley III. While it cannot be cured, glaucoma can be managed with early diagnosis.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
The type of glaucoma you have will determine the symptoms you experience. Frequently, there will be no symptoms in the early stages. However, when your glaucoma begins to worsen, you may experience some. Some common glaucoma symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Eye pain
- Tired eyes
- Bloodshot eyes
Scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams is extremely important in diagnosing it early enough to help manage vision loss.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Damage to the optic nerve is almost always caused by increased internal eye pressure because of poor drainage. In healthy eyes, the aqueous humor in the eye can flow and drain properly. However, when it is blocked or slowed, fluid backs up and increases intraocular eye pressure. Glaucoma treatment can help correct this drainage problem and help resolve vision issues in Lee County, FL.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
During your appointment, Dr. Croley will perform different tests to find out if you have glaucoma. First, he places eye drops into the eye to anesthetize it. Once it’s numb, he will begin his tests:
- Tonometry: This calculates the pressure inside the eye.
- Pachymetry: Corneal thickness measurements will be taken.
- Gonioscopy: The size of the angle between the iris and cornea is measured.
He also may look at the condition of your optic nerve, look at your peripheral vision, and test for any vision loss.
Stages of Glaucoma
At the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida, our team believes that glaucoma has five stages:
- Stage 1: Glaucoma begins with any alteration to your drainage system, which leads to increased intraocular pressure.
- Stage 2: This stage occurs when you first notice a change in the system, whether from eye pain or blurry vision.
- Stage 3: When eye pressure increases significantly, you have advanced to this stage.
- Stage 4: Stage 4 is when there is damage to the optic nerve that must be corrected.
- Stage 5: The last stage is when there is some visual field loss.
During your visit to our Cape Coral, Lehigh, or Bonita Springs, FL offices, we can determine which stage you’re at after a diagnosis.
Glaucoma Treatment
At the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida, we perform a trabeculectomy to treat severe or advanced glaucoma. During this procedure, we create a small channel in the sclera (the white portion of the eye) to fully drain fluid to lower increased intraocular pressure. This new drainage opening is made at the edge of the iris in the upper portion of the eye beneath your eyelid. This glaucoma treatment helps to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and future vision loss.
Recovery from Trabeculectomy
Once your procedure is over, we place a protective bandage over your eye to ensure optimal healing. This needs to be worn for the first 24 hours after surgery and put on the eye every night before bedtime for the next two to six weeks. Prescription eye drops and a topical anesthetic will be prescribed to help you control inflammation and reduce discomfort. Follow-up appointments are necessary with Dr. Croley to closely monitor your healing. Recovery takes about two to six weeks.
Stop Optic Nerve Damage with Glaucoma Treatment
If you’re experiencing blurry vision or eye pain, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida. Dr. James E. Croley III specializes in diagnosing, managing, and treating glaucoma in patients throughout Lee County, FL.
FREE Glaucoma Guidebook
Download your FREE Glaucoma Guidebook today! This comprehensive guide is designed to help you better understand glaucoma, its causes, symptoms, and the available treatment options. Whether you’re concerned about your eye health or caring for a loved one, this guide provides valuable insights into managing glaucoma and protecting your vision.
Stay informed and take control of your eye health with expert tips and advice from Dr. James E. Croley III at the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida.
Get Your Vision Checked Today
At the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida, our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. James E. Croley III, uses state-of-the-art tools and techniques to help his patients in Lee County, FL, manage their disease. Dr. Croley is a member of the following professional organizations:
Schedule an appointment online or call our office near you!
CAPE CORAL
- 613 Del Prado Boulevard, 33990
- (239) 772-2122
LEHIGH ACRES
- 1150 Lee Boulevard, 33936
- (239) 368-1020
BONITA SPRINGS
- 4061 Bonita Beach Road, 34134
- (239) 949-1190
