Las Vegas Glaucoma Treatment at Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry
Sometimes the things most precious to you can be taken away, not in a dramatic instant, but slowly,silently and without your knowledge. This is exactly how most cases of glaucoma work to rob individuals of their precious eyesight, causing permanent damage long before the individual even notices a problem. The good news is that glaucoma can be controlled through a variety of treatment methods, and the earlier the condition is diagnosed, the more effectively you can preserve your vision -- thanks to Las Vegas glaucoma treatment at Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry.
Glaucoma is a progressive regrettably permanent loss of vision due to destruction of the optic nerve fibers that send visual signals from the retina to the brain. While some cases of glaucoma show no identifiable cause, most are associated with high intraocular pressure. The eye produces a steady volume of a fluid known as the aqueous humor. To maintain normal pressure, some of this fluid drains out of the eye through ducts in and around the iris. When this drainage system starts to fail, the pressure builds up until it damages the optic nerve. This irreversible damage might continue for years before you see a difference in your vision -- and without treatment, it can lead to blindness.
Regular eye exams from your Las Vegas eye doctor at Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry are absolutely critical for preventing this outcome. Our skilled team uses sophisticated diagnostic methods to diagnose glaucoma in its earliest stages. These include tonometry, a technique for measuring the intraocular pressure, and direct examination of the optic nerves as part of a retinal exam under pupil dilation. Vision testing by your Las Vegas optometrist can reveal early vision loss that might be caused by glaucoma.
If you do have glaucoma, rest assured that modern medicine enables your Las Vegas optometrist to treat the condition in a number of ways. Many patients can control their glaucoma through eye drops that enhance drainage or inhibit aqueous humor production. (The two types of medications may even be prescribed in tandem for a "one-two punch.") Oral medications can provide even stronger glaucoma control if eye drops alone aren't sufficient to control intraocular pressure. In the most severe cases, your Las Vegas eye doctor may refer you to an eye surgeon for quick, simple procedures such as laser trabulectomy, the creation of an extra drainage channel in the front of the eye.
Schedule a Las Vegas Eye Exam Today
Your Las Vegas optometrist at our clinic can help you fight glaucoma -- but we can do nothing to treat the condition until we know you have it, and the only way we can detect it early is through regular examinations. Call Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry at (702) 452-2020 or (702) 341-7254 today to schedule a Las Vegas eye exam. We want to keep you seeing clearly for many years to come!
