Eye Care | Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve which carries the images we see from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eye becomes higher than normal. The high pressure can push against the optic nerve and damage it.Pressure in the eye comes from aqueous fluid, which naturally drains through a mesh-like organ in the front of the eye.The fluid is constantly being replaced by newly made fluid, but if the fluid does not drain properly, the eye pressure will rise.

The most common type of glaucoma is not painful and the eyes will appear normal from the outside. However, eye pressure can be higher than normal for many years before a person will notice any loss of vision. For this reason, it is important to have a regular eye examination to detect glaucoma.

Ophthalmologists have special methods to measure the eye pressure and look at the optic nerve.This is done during a routine eye exam. Glaucoma is detected through tests that measure your intraocular pressure, inspect the drainage angle of your eye, evaluate any optic nerve damage and test the visual field of each eye.

Treatment is usually in the form of eye drops that help keep a proper balance of pressure in the eye, but occasionally surgery is needed.

The Wheaton Eye Clinic Ophthalmologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma are:

• David K. Gieser
• Stephen G. Gieser
• Ruth D. Williams
• Edward Sung

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of the above physicians, please call (630) 668-8250.