Glaucoma Treatment, Glaucoma Test, Eye Pressure Test

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT & SERVICES

Wills Eye specialists are dedicated to providing world-class glaucoma treatment and care. The disease is often asymptomatic, and people may lose their vision without knowing it. Regular eye exams are an important way to detect the disease.

Types of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma, and treatment depends on properly identifying which kind is present. No matter whether the pressure is high, average, or below average, it can still cause damage. Some types of glaucoma are chronic and may be present for a lifetime. Other types are acute; that is, they occur suddenly. Visit our glaucoma page to learn more.

Glaucoma Surgery and Other Treatments

All types of glaucoma need some form of treatment from a glaucoma specialist. While the type of treatment depends on the type of glaucoma and how far it has progressed, as well as other factors, treatment modalities may include:

Glaucoma laser surgery, such as laser iridotomy or laser trabeculoplasty
Prescription eye drops
Glaucoma implant surgery, such as tube shunts or other stents such as the iStent, Hydrus, Xen
Trabeculectomy
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, often called MIGS, can include a variety of surgery options listed above, in addition to Kahook dual blade goniotomy and OMNI treatment system

Our physicians, as a whole, are skilled in the whole spectrum of available glaucoma procedures. Wills Eye Hospital participates in most of the national clinical trials sponsored by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health in order to bring new drugs and surgical methods to patients as quickly as possible. Please refer to our Research page to

Appropriate treatment for glaucoma will prevent loss of sight in the majority of patients whose condition is detected early.

Testing for Glaucoma

Diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma in most cases require additional glaucoma tests beyond a comprehensive eye exam. Sophisticated, state-of-the-art glaucoma diagnostic tools available at Wills Eye Hospital include:

Computerized visual field testing
Optic nerve imaging
Anterior segment (Front of the eye) imaging
Multiple methods of blood flow measurement
Ultrasound imaging of the eye
Other specialized imaging modalities

When to get an Eye Exam

An eye exam for glaucoma includes an eye pressure test, assessment of the angle of the eye, and examination of the optic nerve. Because the symptoms of glaucoma can be mild, or even non-existent, it is recommended that individuals get a baseline screening done at the age of 40, regardless of glaucoma risk factors.

However, you will want to get tested earlier and/or more regularly if you have any of the following risk factors:

You are over the age of 60
You have a family history of glaucoma
You are of African American, Latino, or Asian descent
You are significantly near-sighted

These factors suggest a higher risk of glaucoma and therefore require more regular screenings. If any of the above factors apply to you, it is advised that you continue to get tested every one to two years, or more often as advised by your specialist.

Regular eye exams are an important way to detect glaucoma. Please contact us today to book an appointment and to learn about testing and treatment options.