Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises. However, with early treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.

Studies have shown that the early detection and treatment of glaucoma, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease. So, if you fall into one of the high-risk groups for the disease, make sure to have your eyes examined through dilated pupils every two years by an eye care professional.

If you are being treated for glaucoma, be sure to take your glaucoma medicine every day. See your eye care professional regularly. Dr. Burk treats with eye drops and the Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (available in her office). Occasionally, a trabeculectomy and/or Glaucoma tube shunts may be required in advanced cases.  Dr. Burk is also fellowship trained in glaucoma treatment.

Immediate treatment for early stage, open-angle glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That's why early diagnosis is very important.

In addition to Family History other risk factors for glaucoma are increased age, African American heritage, increased blood pressure, long-term steroid treatments, diabetes, nearsightedness, and injury to the eye.

Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.

Find out more about us and how you can see better; clearly better.