Glaucoma Treatment

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What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a progressive disease of the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve, which is the pathway that carries the image we see to the brain. Optic nerve damage occurs over a period of time – sometimes many years. As it progresses, patients may experience an increasing loss of peripheral vision or “tunnel vision”, with a possibility of complete blindness occurring during the final stages of the disease. Initiating an appropriate glaucoma treatment can prevent the disease from progressing. Unfortunately, any loss of vision that occurs is irreversible.

How do I know if I have early signs of Glaucoma?

Early detection may prevent loss of vision. Using the HRT III, Dr. Patodia has one of the best diagnostic instruments available. It has been shown in hundreds of studies that 3-D measurement of the optic nerve head is far superior to conventional examination methods. It provides objective results of the disease years before any noticeable symptoms appear, such as loss of peripheral vision.

With regards to glaucoma treatment, the HRT III examination takes only a few minutes and is completely painless. Pupil dilation drops are required. A high-resolution laser camera takes a series of 3-D scans of the optic nerve and measures up to 28 million individual points per exam. A computer compiles and analyzes the information from the scans and produces a “baseline” image which Dr. Patodia can assess and compare with future exams. Over time, these scans allow Dr. Patodia to see even the smallest changes which help to detect and manage glaucoma.