What is an Ophthalmologist?
| An Ophthalmologist is
a physician, an MD (Medical Doctor), or a DO (Doctor of
Osteopathy) who specializes in complete care for the eyes. They are
trained in preventative eye care, eye disease treatment, injury
treatment, and medical and surgical procedures of the eye. An Ophthalmologist attends four years of pre-medical college, four years
of medical school, one year of internship and a minimum of three
years of specialized training in refractive and surgical procedures.
Ophthalmologists' specialized education and training qualifies them to detect and treat
vision disorders such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Trachoma (a bacterial
infection found mostly in developing countries), Conjunctivitis
infections, detached retinas and tear duct obstructions, as well as
Myopia,   Presbyopia and Astigmatism. An
Ophthalmic examination can reveal the presence of high blood pressure, Diabetes, brain tumors
and other neurological disorders.
An Ophthalmologist provides total eye care. Most Ophthalmologists provide complete vision services that encompass contact lenses, glasses, eye
examinations and surgical procedures. The most common refractive surgical procedure done by Ophthalmologists is
LASIK, a surgical
procedure that corrects imperfect vision. This procedure has become very
popular and the immediate results are most impressive. See more on this
subject in the Vision
Correction chapter.
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How Ophthalmologists Were Selected
| Consumers’ Research
Council of America has compiled a list of top Ophthalmologists
throughout the United States by utilizing a point value system. This
method uses a point value for criteria that we deemed valuable in
determining top Ophthalmologists.
The criteria that
was used is as follows:
| Experience: |
|
Each year
the Ophthalmologist has been in practice |
| Training: |
|
Education
and Continuing Education |
| Professional
Associations: |
|
Member of Ophthalmologic
Associations |
Simply put, Ophthalmologists that have accumulated a certain amount of points
qualified for the list. This does not mean that Ophthalmologists that
did not accumulate enough points are not good healthcare professionals, they
merely did not qualify for this list because of the points needed for
qualification.
Similar studies have been done with other professions using a survey system. This type of
study would ask fellow professionals who they would recommend. We found
this method to be more of a popularity contest. For instance,
professionals who work in a large office have much more of a chance of
being mentioned as opposed to a professional who has a small private
practice. In addition, many professionals have a financial arrangement
for back-and-forth referrals. For these reasons, we developed the point
value system.
Since this is a subjective call, there is no study that is 100% accurate. As with any
profession, there will be some degree of variance in opinion. If you
survey 100 patients about their satisfaction with a particular physician,
you will undoubtedly hear that some are very satisfied, some moderately
satisfied and some dissatisfied. This is really quite normal.
We feel that a point value system takes out the personal and emotional factor and deals with
factual criteria. We have made certain assumptions. For example, we feel
that more years in practice is better than less years in practice; more
education is better than less education, etc.
The Top Ophthalmologist list that we have compiled is current as of a certain
date and other Ophthalmologists may have qualified since that date.
Nonetheless, we feel that the list of top Ophthalmologists is a good
starting point for you to find a qualified Ophthalmologist.
No fees, donations, sponsorships
or advertising are accepted from any individuals, professionals,
corporations or associations. This policy is strictly adhered to insure
an unbiased selection.
|
Finding an Ophthalmologist
| Choosing an Ophthalmologist is an important decision. Thus, our goal is to assist
you in making that decision.
First of all, when
selecting an Ophthalmologist, you may want to begin your search several
different ways: 
 |
Ask a family physician. They are in constant contact with all
kinds of health care professionals and will be able to point
you in the right direction. |
|
|
|
Ask family, friends, neighbors and/or co-workers. |
|
|
|
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for
reputable Ophthalmologists. |
|
|
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Contact your state's local Ophthalmologist associations as many of
them have referral services. |
|
| We recommend that you interview
the Ophthalmologist and ask the following:
Is your staff
friendly and accommodating?
Do you have two waiting rooms, one for sick people and one for healthy people that
are just in for check-ups?
Do you take walk-in patients, or is it by appointment only?
What are the procedures if we need a doctor in the middle of the night or on a
weekend?
Do you have an associate that covers for you when you are not available?
Do you have more than one office and if so, how is your time divided between offices?
What kind of continuing education do you utilize?
Do you accept phone calls during office hours?
How do you stay current on the latest drugs and prescriptions available, medical
testaments and modern concepts?
What types of insurance coverage do you accept?
How do you handle billing? Do you require payment at the time of visit?
Discuss your family medical history and particular problems you are concerned about.
After you have consulted a few
Ophthalmologists, you should have a good idea which one you felt most comfortable
with and who best answered your questions.
|
About Your Eyes
The human eye
is located on the front part of the human skull and rests in a bony
cavity socket. The eyeball contains three thick layers of tissue: the Retina, the Choroid and the Sclera.
The innermost
layer of tissue is the Retina. The retina is a network of nerve cells, nerve fibers,
rods and cones.
The second
layer is the Choroid. The choroid is made up of pigment and blood vessels
that nourish the tissues. Located near the center are muscles that are
used to change the shape of the lens so it can focus. The Choroid layer
contains  the Iris where the pigmentation is. The pigmentation is usually
shades of brown, blue or green. The Pupil is the round opening
in the center of the Iris. The muscular action of the Iris regulates how
much light should enter the eye. This is done by the muscle dilating and
contracting the Iris.
The outer
layer, or Sclera, is the visible white part of the eye. The center is the
Cornea, which
is basically the window of the eye. The Conjunctiva covers the visible portion of the Sclera.
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Parts of the Eye
| Conjunctiva
The
conjunctiva is a mucus membrane that covers the exposed forward section of
the sclera.
Cornea
The translucent
membrane that forms the outside coating of the eye.
Iris
The Iris is the part
of the eye that determines the color of the eye. The iris surrounds the
pupil and is made up of tissues and membranes that control the size of the
pupil.
Lens
The lens is the clear
membrane that makes up the outer coating of the eye.
Macula
The macula is located
in the center of the retina. Incoming rays of light are focused by the
macula.
Pupil
The pupil is the dark
round hole in the center of the iris
Retina
Light enters the eye
and is focused on the retina by the lens. The retina produces an image or
picture which is sent along the optic nerve to the brain to interpret.
Sclera
The Sclera is the
white part of the eye and covers over 80% of the exterior of the eye.
|
The Eye Examination
| An Ophthalmologist
subjectively assesses visual acuity, color vision, visual fields and
overall ocular health.
Ophthalmologists use the Snellen Letter Chart, also known as the
Standard Eye Chart, to measure the capability of your visual system. The
Ophthalmologist will ask a series of questions which include the reason
for your visit, whether or not you wear corrective lenses, if you are
susceptible to headaches, and if there is a history of eye problems in
your family.
Various diagnostic
equipment used in the exam:
 Slit Lamp: A binocular
microscope with a moveable light source used to examine the anterior
portion of the eye.
Ophthalmoscope: A device that focuses a light source onto the retina
permitting the doctor to view the retina and vitreous. A device that focuses a light source onto the retina
permitting the doctor to view the retina and vitreous.
Tonometer: A Tonometer is a medical device that measures excessive
intraocular pressure. Non-contact Tonometers generate a puff of air that
deforms the Cornea. Intraocular pressure is measured by the time taken
to produce a set amount of Corneal flattening when the puff of air is
activated.
Keratometer: The Keratometer allows a doctor to examine the curvature
and aberration of the cornea. Exact measurement of the Corneal curvature
is essential to properly fit contact lenses and for refractive surgery
procedures.
Many Ophthalmology
exams are for a specific reason. It is common for Optometrists to refer
patients to an Ophthalmologist when surgical remedies are required, or
when an eye problem needing further examination is detected. Ophthalmologists perform surgical procedures and handle the more
complicated eye conditions.
|
Vision Correction
| Glasses
Just about everyone
will need glasses at some point in their lives. Glasses are not only a
corrective device, but also a fashion item. Nowadays, there are a
variety of styles to fit everyone’s personality. The following
information can help you in choosing which style is best for you.
Lenses are
primarily made out of two types of materials, glass and plastic. Glass has
excellent optical properties and resists scratches quite well. However,
glass is also very heavy with a high potential for breakage. This could
be a concern to anyone who plays sports or who is exposed to possible impacts.
Plastic, on the other hand, is substantially lighter in weight and
resists breakage better. Also, many plastic lenses are now available
with a scratch resistant coating, which helps the lenses last much
longer. These attributes make plastic lenses the most popular of the
two.
Along with which
types of materials, there are different kinds of lenses to choose from.
To help you choose which type of lens best suits you, a description of
each is found below.
Single vision lenses are the most popular and widely prescribed.
Single vision simply means that the lens has one single power. That
power allows people to see clearly at all distances. Most younger people
wear single vision lenses. However, as people age, the need for two power glasses
increases. These dual powered lenses are called Bifocals.
Bifocal lenses are common for people between the ages of 40 and
50 years old. It’s not unusual for the inability to focus both near
and far to occur between these ages. This inability to focus is called Presbyopia. However,
Bifocals assist greatly in this matter. The top portion of the Bifocal
lens helps to see distances as the bottom portion assists in seeing
objects closely. It used to be that the separation between lenses was
quite obvious and, thus, making the lenses very unattractive.
Fortunately, as the demand for style and fashion increased, the Bifocal lens became the Progressive lens.
Progressive lenses are aesthetically more attractive and allow for a
smoother transaction between the two lens segments.
Photo Chromatic lenses have a tint
that adjusts to the amount of light they are exposed to. This chemical
coating gets darker as the ultra-violet rays absorb into the chemical
coating. Photo Chromatic lenses are available in grey or brown tints.
Frames are also an important factor to consider when
purchasing glasses. If your prescription is , you may want to choose a
smaller frame with smaller lenses since larger frames will house larger,
heavier, thicker lenses. People who are active and participate in sports
usually prefer smaller sized frames. This is generally because of the
light weight and less of a chance of fogging up.
Last, but not least,
when purchasing glasses, make sure the fit is right. It can be annoying
and uncomfortable when glasses rest against your cheeks. A qualified Ophthalmologist will make sure you leave the office with glasses
that fit correctly.
Contact lenses were first developed by Adolf
Flick in 1887. To measure the eye for fitting, a mold of the eye was
taken. From the mold, actual glass was used to make the lenses. Not only
did this make the contact lens completely unsafe, they were extremely
uncomfortable and, therefore, could only be worn for very short periods
of time.
Fortunately, with
today’s advanced technology, contact lenses have become much more
comfortable and safer. There are now precise optical eye measuring
instruments used for an exact fit. Instead of glass, state of the art
plastics are now used. Unlike glass lenses, the plastic lenses allow
oxygen to pass through to the eyes making the lenses much more
comfortable to wear for  much longer periods of time. Furthermore, to make things
more convenient, disposable contact lenses are also available.
Disposables are easy to use; you just throw them away after using them.
You don’t have the same worry of cleaning and disinfecting disposable
lenses as you do with other contact lenses, making them very popular.
Color contacts have also become very fashionable. They give another
option to those who wish to change the color of their eyes.
Many people find
several advantages to wearing contacts lenses over glasses. These
include:
|
Feeling
more attractive wearing contacts than wearing glasses |
|
Better
sight can be achieved than with glasses |
|
Contacts
are lower maintenance than glasses. They don't get spots on
them from rain, mud, etc. |
|
Less
worry of losing or breaking them as with glasses |
|
No fog-up
during sports activities |
|
Can
correct many typical vision disorders |
However,
there are some disadvantages with contact lenses. These include:
|
Require
cleaning maintenance |
|
Possible
risk of infection if not cared for properly |
|
Require
regular office visits and follow-up care |
|
Can slip
off center of eye |
|
Require a
prescription from an eye care practitioner |
|
Cannot
correct all corrective vision problems |
In spite of any
disadvantages that contact lenses may have, they continue to be popular;
over 26 million people in America wear them. And as technology
advances, contact lenses continue to become safer and more comfortable. |
| Lasik Surgery
Lasik means
"LAser in SItu Keratomileusis". Lasik is the most common refractive
surgery procedure used to correct poor vision. This procedure is great
for people who are tired of wearing glasses or who have a difficult time
wearing contact lenses. Many people who are susceptible to getting eye
infections from contact lenses will opt for this surgery.
The actual procedure is fast and virtually painless. First, anesthetic eye drops
are put in your eye. After a few moments the eye drops will start
numbing the nerves of the eye. A suction ring is then placed over the
center of the cornea. The suction creates pressure in the eye which is
required for the Microkeratome to function properly. The Microkeratome is a highly
sophisticated instrument that is of paramount importance in the Lasik
procedure. The instrument has an extremely sharp blade that moves back
and forth at a very high speed. It actually shaves a thin layer of the
cornea and folds the cornea back. The part of the cornea that is uncut
acts as a hinge.
At that point the suction ring and the Microkeratome are removed. The next instrument
used is the Excimer Laser. This laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to
precisely remove very minute pieces of tissue from the cornea to
actually reshape it. A properly shaped cornea will focus light into the
eye and onto the retina, resulting in clear vision. The last step is folding back
the Cornea into its original position. Your eyes heal very quickly and your
vision will improve immediately.
When opting for this procedure, finding a physician is very important. Even with the highly
technical and sophisticated Excimer Laser and Microkeratome, the
physician is still the most important part of the procedure. Therefore,
choosing a physician should take a lot of thought and consideration.
Many consumers can be fooled by the clever advertisements they hear on
the radio or see on TV. For instance, it is common for vision correction
facilities to advertise that they have performed over 20,000 procedures.
Although this may be true, it does not mean that the physician
performing your surgeries has done all 20,000 procedures. Therefore,
find out how many surgeries the actual doctor performing your surgery
has done. We suggest that he or she has done a minimum of 300. We also
suggest asking your family physician or friends for any recommendations
when searching for the right surgeon.
Also, feel free to ask your
physician questions. Most eye-care professionals don’t mind if you ask
them questions. Here are a few questions you may consider asking:
|
How many
procedures have you performed? |
|
How long have you been
performing the LASIK procedure? |
|
What is your
complication rate for LASIK treatment? |
|
Who will perform my
pre-treatment testing? |
|
Who will perform my
post-treatment follow up? |
| We also suggest
asking your family physician or friends for any recommendations. |
|
Latest Advances in LASIK Surgery
| LASIK surgery now
has a new has an enhanced version called Wavefront. The Wavefront system
allows the eye surgeon to customize the procedure for each individual eye
This enables the surgeon to be more accurate, thus providing a higher
probability of better vision. Millions of people have had the LASIK
procedure, which corrects
refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and even
astigmatism.
These vision problems are created because of the inability to focus light precisely on the retina
because of optical defects. This technology detects imperfections 25 times
more accurately than previous methods. The result is an increased success
rate for laser eye surgery patients.
The new technology used in Wavefront is adapted from research of the scientists who fixed the
Hubble Space Telescope's image distortion problem. The information and
data learned from this was used to perfect LASIK procedures. Basically, a
sensor and laser is used; a laser beam is used and a wave of light is sent
through the eye to the retina. The light is then reflected back through
the lens and the pupil. At that point the sensor accurately measures any
irregularities at the front of the wave of light as it leaves the eye. As
this occurs a 3D map is instantly constructed of the eye's visual system
that shows all of the cornea's imperfections and aberrations. Currently there are three
different Wavefront LASIK systems that have been approved by the FDA. They
are as follows:
|
Alcon's LADARWave Customized Ablation System
VISX Custom Vue System
Bausch & Lomb's Zyoptix |
Data and
statistical research shows that 90 to 94 percent of patients receiving
Wavefront LASIK had a visual acuity of 20/20 or better as compared to 80
percent of patients who had the conventional LASIK procedure.
We recommend
that you consult with a reputable Ophthalmologist and get a thorough
examination. The eye surgeon will discuss with the patient any potential risks
as well as the benefits of the procedure.
|
New Treatments for Macular Degeneration
| Macular
Degeneration is
the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55. This eye
disease affects the macula, which is a small part of the retina. This area
is responsible for central vision; macular degeneration is essentially the
breakdown or deterioration of the macula.
A new procedure,
Macular Translocation, is being performed by the doctors at Duke Eye
Center. This procedure moves the macula by placing it in an area that is
away from the damaged area. Patients that benefit from this procedure must
have lost vision in both eyes, with no more than six months elapsing after
losing vision in the last one.
Duke is only one of a
few centers around the world that is performing this procedure. It is a
two step procedure; the first procedure will leave the patient's vision
slightly "tilted". The second will correct the tilted effect.
|
Laser Presbyopia Reversal (LAPR)
| Presbyopia commonly
occurs after the age of forty. The lens becomes more rigid and flexibility
begins to diminish, resulting in more difficulty focusing on nearby
objects. Reading and other tasks that require you to focus at close range
become very demanding, as the images appear blurred.
Presbyopia can
now be reversed by a new laser procedure called Laser Presbyopia Reversal (LAPR). This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes per
eye and involves eight tiny laser incisions in the sclera, the white of
the eye. These incisions allow the lens to expand and focus at different
distances.
The first trial was cleared December 2002 by the FDA under an Investigational Device Exemption
(IDE). Trials outside the US have indicated almost no regression after
this procedure and more than 80% of patients can read without glasses.
Doctors are optimistic that this procedure will be common in years to
come. We will keep you updated as more information and data is released on
LAPR.
|
Eye Diseases and Problems
| Everyone should have
an eye check up every two years in order to detect any eye disease
before it can get too serious and cause permanent damage. Many eye
diseases do not have obvious symptoms and therefore can go undetected, causing
permanent damage to the eye. Your Ophthalmologist may recommend that you
have an eye exam every year if you are at higher risk for eye disease.
Glaucoma:
Glaucoma
prevents optic visual information from getting from the Retina to
the brain. Nerve cells that relay the information to the brain
become damaged . With some forms of Glaucoma, pressure in the eye
becomes elevated and sometimes extremely high. Your eye is filled
with fluid and it is always being replaced. When too much fluid is
being produced and not draining properly it creates high pressure in
the eye.
People over forty
years of age are much more likely to get Glaucoma than younger
people. Studies have shown that Glaucoma can be hereditary.
If you are in either of these higher risk groups, it is advisable to
be checked more frequently.
See the complete
chapter on Glaucoma below.
Cataracts:
The lenses in
your eyes are clear. Cataracts are a condition where the lenses
become a cloudy, milky white color. This cloudiness restricts light
from entering into the eye and results in poor vision. The cloudier
the Cataracts become the worse the vision becomes.
Cataracts are
caused by long term exposure to ultra-violet light and aging. People
over sixty-five are higher risk. Cataract surgery is now a
relatively minor procedure. Often this surgery is done on an
outpatient basis. This type of surgery is performed by your Ophthalmologist, a medical doctor that specializes in eye surgery.
Macular Degeneration
The Macula is a
small part of the Retina which is responsible for central vision.
Macular Degeneration is essentially the breakdown or deterioration of
the Macula. This can result in poor vision, but rarely causes
blindness. Macular Degeneration generally affects people sixty-five
years of age or older. It is recommended to get eye exams yearly after
the age of fifty. There is little you can do to prevent Macular
Degeneration and it is difficult to treat. Some treatments can be
effective when this eye disease is caught in the early stages.
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Myopia is a
condition where objects that are near can be seen clearly, but objects
that are at a distance are blurred. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is
too long or the refractive power of the eye’s lens is too . The
image is then focused in front of the Retina rather than upon it.
Glasses, contact
lenses and Lasik surgery are all options to consider for correction of
Myopia.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Hyperopia is when
objects that are far away can be seen clearly, but objects that are
near are blurred. Hyperopia occurs when the image is focused behind
the Retina of the eye rather than on it.It is common for people with
Hyperopia to get headaches when trying to read. There are many options
for Hyperopia vision correction.
Astigmatism
An Astigmatism is a
non-uniform curvature of the cornea. This irregular curvature produces
poor vision because light rays do not all come to a single focal point
on the Retina. Some of the rays of light focus in front of the Retina
and others focus behind it.
There are various vision
correction options for Astigmatisms, but contact lenses are the most
effective treatment available.
|
Diabetes
and your Eyes
High blood glucose (sugar) and high blood pressure from diabetes can hurt
four parts of your eye:
-
Retina.
The retina is the lining at the back of the eye. The retina's job is to sense
light coming into the eye.
-
Vitreous. The vitreous is a
jelly-like fluid that fills the back of the eye.
-
Lens.
The lens is at the front of
the eye and it focuses light on the retina.
-
Optic
nerve.
The optic nerve is the eye’s
main nerve to the brain.
Diabetic
retinopathy
Retina damage happens slowly. Your retinas have tiny blood vessels that are
easy to damage. Having high blood glucose and high blood pressure for a long
time can damage these arteries, causing them to swell and weaken. Some blood
vessels then become clogged and do not let enough blood through. Loss of vision
from these changes might not be immediately apparent; this is why you need to
have an eye exam once a year even if your
vision
seems fine.
As diabetes retina problems get worse, new blood vessels grow. These arteries
are weak and break easily, causing blood to leak into the vitreous of your eye.
The leaking blood keeps light from reaching the retina. You may see floating
spots or almost total darkness. Sometimes the blood will clear out by itself,
but surgery may be needed to remove it.
Over the years, the swollen and weak blood vessels can form scar tissue and
pull the retina away from the back of the eye. If the retina becomes detached,
people may see floating spots or flashing lights. People afflicted with this
condition may feel as if a screen has been pulled over part of what they are
looking at. A detached retina can cause loss of sight or blindness if you don't
take care of it right away.
Prevention
You may not be able to prevent eye damage entirely, but you can certainly do
a great deal to reduce your chance of getting it. You can also stop it from
worsening if you already have it. However, to either prevent it or stop it from
getting worse, it is best to take action early.
 |
Keep your blood glucose and blood pressure as close
to normal as you can. Have an eye doctor examine your eyes once a year. Have
this exam even if your vision seems normal. Finding eye problems early and
getting treatment right away will help prevent more serious problems later
on. |
|
Ask your eye doctor to check for signs of cataracts
and Glaucoma. |
|
Don’t smoke. |
|
Get proper exercise. |
Treatment
The usual treatment for damage to your retina is by laser therapy. Laser
treatment seals leaking or new blood vessels. It mainly works by preventing and
delaying further damage from occurring.
Surgical treatment, called vitrectomy, may be needed if bleeding from the
retina into the eyeball is causing persistent cloudy vision or if scarring has
occurred.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or dry eye, is dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea.
Dry
eyes may be due to inadequate tear production. With this disorder, the tear
gland does not produce enough tears to keep the entire conjunctiva and cornea
covered by a complete layer of tears, which is the most common type found in
postmenopausal women.
Dry eyes may also be due to an abnormality of tear composition
that results in accelerated evaporation of the tears. Although the tear gland
produces a sufficient amount of tears, the rate of evaporation is too rapid. See
more about this item below.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dry eyes include irritation, burning, itching, a
pulling sensation, pressure behind the eye, and a feeling like something is in
the eye. Symptoms are worsened by activities in which the rate of blinking is
reduced. Activities that specifically involve prolonged use of the eyes, such as
reading, working on a computer, driving, or watching television are some of the
biggest culprits. Dry eyes are also worse in dusty or smoky areas and dry
environments, such as in airplanes or in shopping malls; on days with low
humidity; and in areas where air conditioners, fans, or heaters are being used.
Some drugs can worsen symptoms. Dry eyes may improve during cool, rainy, or
foggy weather and in humid places, such as in the shower.
Treatments
Artificial tears—eye drops that act like real
tears—applied every few hours, can generally control the problem. Avoiding dry,
drafty environments and using humidifiers can help also. Minor surgery can be
done to block the flow of tears into the nose, so that more tears are available
to bathe the eyes. In people with very dry eyes, the eyelids may be partially
sewn together to decrease tear evaporation.
All
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a
disease of the optic nerve—the part of the eye that carries the images we
see—to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers. It acts
like an electric cable, or wiring, that transmits visual information to the
brain. When damage to the optic nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. These
blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly
damaged. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results. Glaucoma
is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older
people. But loss of sight from Glaucoma can often be prevented with early
treatment.
There are different types of Glaucoma:
Chronic
open-angle Glaucoma
This is the most common form of Glaucoma. As age increases, so
does the chance of developing chronic open-angle Glaucoma. Drainage of fluids in
the eye becomes less efficient over time, and pressure within the eye gradually
increases, which can damage the optic nerve. In some people, the optic nerve
becomes sensitive even to normal eye pressure and is at risk for damage.
Treatment is necessary to prevent further vision loss. Typically, open-angle
Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages and vision remains normal. As the
optic nerve becomes more damaged, blank spots begin to appear in the field of
vision. People typically won’t notice these blank spots in your day-to-day
activities until the optic nerve is significantly damaged and these spots become
large. If all the optic nerve fibers die, blindness results.
Closed-angle
Glaucoma
Some eyes are formed with the iris—the colored part of the eye—too close to the drainage angle. In
cases such as these, the eyes are often small and farsighted; the iris can be sucked into the
drainage angle and block it completely. Since the fluid cannot exit the eye,
pressure inside the eye builds rapidly and causes an acute closed-angle attack.
Symptoms may include:
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