Glaucoma: Preserving Your Sight, One Checkup at a Time

Glaucoma is also called the "silent thief of sight"—and no wonder. It sneaks up on individuals without notice, slowly destroying the optic nerve before vision loss occurs. But by that time, extensive damage has already been done.

At Curtis R Anderson, OD, we prevent glaucoma from sneaking up on you. With the latest technology in screenings and personalized treatment plans, we work to limit the effects of glaucoma on your eyes, so that you maintain good vision for years to come.

---

What is glaucoma, and how does it impact your sight?

Imagine your optic nerve as a cord that connects your eyes to your brain, allowing it to transmit visual information so you can see the world. Glaucoma damages this nerve, often causing progressive vision loss due to increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure, or IOP). If left untreated, it will eventually cause blindness.

---

Signs & Symptoms of Glaucoma

Most people have no symptoms for many years, but in later stages as more damage occurs to the eyes, you may eventually notice:

• Loss of peripheral vision (most often the first indication)
• Blurry or misty vision
• Tunnel vision in late stages

Less commonly, if eye pressure is very high, you could develop eye pain, headaches, nausea, or halos around lights.

---

What to Expect

1. Complete eye checkup
   Glaucoma can sometimes be diagnosed for the first time during routine examinations. Our testing during those visits assesses your vision, measures your intraocular pressure, and examines your optic nerve for even the earliest signs of glaucoma.
2. Digital retina scan
   Our computerized digital retinal image acquisition technology takes good images of your retina. It helps us track changes over time and detect glaucoma early for timely treatment.
3. Visual field test
   Your peripheral vision is screened for blind spots or vision loss in this test, which are typical early symptoms of glaucoma. Detecting these changes early allows for immediate treatment to prevent further vision loss.
4. Tonometry
   We measure intraocular pressure (IOP) in your eyes with tonometry. Raised IOP is a key risk factor for glaucoma, and regular monitoring allows for early detection and treatment.
5. Pachymetry
   This measurement determines the thickness of your cornea, which can impact eye pressure measurements and glaucoma risk assessment. Corneal thickness information aids in accurate diagnosis and the development of individualized treatment plans.
6. Patient education and individualized treatment plans
   We educate our patients. We provide comprehensive information about glaucoma, its risks, and available treatments. We individualize treatment to meet your specific needs, including medication, dietary modifications, or referrals for surgical treatment as necessary.

---

How We Detect & Diagnose Glaucoma

We utilize advanced diagnostic technology at Curtis R Anderson, OD to screen for glaucoma during your routine eye exam.

• Comprehensive Eye Pressure Test: We measure your intraocular pressure (IOP) to see if it's high. High pressure is an indicator that you may have glaucoma.
• Optic Nerve Check: With precise imaging, we thoroughly examine the health of your optic nerve to detect any potential injuries.
• Visual Field Test: We map your side vision to identify possible early blind spots that may indicate glaucoma.
• Corneal Thickness Test: The lower your corneal thickness test reading, the greater your risk of high eye pressure, making this test helpful in assessing glaucoma risk.

We will inform you about treatments if we discover evidence of glaucoma or early warning signs, and we will create an individualized treatment plan to manage the disease effectively.

---

Treatment of Glaucoma: What are Your Choices?

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, its onset can be prevented with proper treatment. Your treatment will depend on the type of glaucoma and its stage.

• Prescription Eye Drops: These drops reduce eye pressure by slowing fluid production or improving drainage.
• Laser Therapy: A quick and effective treatment method that increases fluid drainage to help control eye pressure.
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): For more severe glaucoma, a doctor may suggest a surgical process to reduce pressure and preserve vision.

Since glaucoma is a chronic condition, regular monitoring is essential. We adjust your treatment as needed to help maintain your vision.

---

Get to Know the Doctor

With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating glaucoma, Dr. Curtis R. Anderson understands that prompt treatment and meticulous attention are key.

• Vision Leader: Dr. Anderson can detect the earliest signs of glaucoma, enabling treatment to begin promptly.
• Individual Care Plans: Not every case of glaucoma is the same; therefore, he treats each patient's eye care uniquely.
• Trusted Guidance: When you need preventative monitoring, medication, or a referral to a specialist, Dr. Anderson promises you the best possible care.

---

Why Curtis R Anderson, OD for Glaucoma Treatment?

• Advanced Clinical Equipment: We use the latest equipment for precise and early diagnosis.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient's glaucoma situation is unique - we provide care tailored to your specific needs.
• Sympathetic, patient-focused care: We take the time to explain to you and address all your questions.
• Seamless referral if required: We provide seamless referrals to top specialists for the best possible outcome, should surgery be necessary.

---

Insurance & Payment Options

Glaucoma treatment should never be out of reach. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer convenient payment options to help you access the treatment you need. We are happy to help you find out your coverage and costs.

---

Take Control of Your Eye Health – Make Your Glaucoma Screening Appointment Today!

Glaucoma is an insidious condition, but through regular examinations and early identification, we can usually prevent significant vision loss. If you are over 40 years of age, have a family history of glaucoma, or experience a change in eyesight, do not wait—schedule an eye examination today!