Glaucoma Specialist
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Wolchok Eye Associates, PA
Ophthalmologists located in Jacksonville, FL
Glaucoma is the most common cause of blindness in Americans over 40, and that means it’s extremely important to have regular eye exams and preventive care from an expert like dedicated ophthalmologist Stephen Wolchok, MD, at Wolchok Eye Associates, PA. With nearly 50 years of established history in Jacksonville, Florida, you can trust Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, for the very best in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Book online or call the office to schedule today.
Glaucoma Q & A
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease causing serious optic nerve damage. There are two types of glaucoma:
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma, which occurs in 95% of glaucoma cases, happens when you have too much fluid in your eye. Normally, the inner-eye fluid called aqueous humor nourishes and supports your eye.
The fluid leaves your eye through the trabecular meshwork, a small internal drainage system. Your trabecular meshwork is in an area called the drainage angle, but if that area backs up with fluid, it triggers high inner-eye pressure and eventually damages your optic nerve.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
The rarer form of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma, happens if your iris is quite close to your drainage angle. This can cause a complete sudden blockage. Acute angle-closure glaucoma often happens in attacks, which are medical emergencies.
Glaucoma is a very serious eye disease that can cause permanent blindness if you don't get diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
What symptoms occur with glaucoma?
Primary open-angle glaucoma usually develops slowly and rarely causes symptoms. But, over time, untreated primary open-angle glaucoma can cause a slow decrease in peripheral vision.
In advanced cases, you could develop tunnel vision. Because there are rarely symptoms, you need regular eye exams to identify the disease early.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is very different, though. If you suddenly have some of the following symptoms, you may be having an attack:
- Severe headache
- Eye pain
- Blurry vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Halos surrounding lights
- Red eyes
Contact Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, immediately if you suspect an acute angle-closure attack.
How do you treat glaucoma?
The team can help you manage the condition and preserve your vision. Ultimately, the goal of any glaucoma treatment is reducing optic nerve damage, which generally means lowering your eye pressure.
You may need glaucoma treatments such as:
Medication
Daily eye drops can reduce fluid production, increase fluid drainage, or both.
Laser surgery
In a trabeculoplasty for primary open-angle glaucoma, Dr. Wolchok improves the drainage angle using a laser. In an iridotomy for acute angle-closure glaucoma, Dr. Wolchok makes a tiny pinhole within the iris, creating additional drainage.
Surgical procedures
If conservative care and laser surgery aren't appropriate or effective, Dr. Wolchok may recommend a surgical procedure in which he creates a new drainage path for your inner-eye fluid.
Dr. Wolchok discusses all treatment options to help you find the best solution.
Book online or call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, for help with glaucoma now.
