Glaucoma Treatment & Specialists in Michigan
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that is the leading cause of blindness in those over 60 in the US. It is the result of a buildup of fluid that cannot properly drain from the eye, causing pressure and damage to the optic nerve. Without treatment, glaucoma can result in non-reversible vision loss.
Types of Glaucoma
There are two types of glaucoma: primary open-angle or angle-closure.
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma develops gradually and worsens over time. There is no pain caused by this gradual buildup of fluid. Over time, vision changes do occur.
Angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma comes on suddenly and has the following telltale signs that can be severe and require medical care:
- Blurry vision
- Severe eye pain
- Headaches
- Nausea
Scheduling your comprehensive eye exam every year can help detect glaucoma early.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but those with one or more of the following factors have an elevated risk.
- Over the age of 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- Prior eye injuries
- Existing vision problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness
- High eye pressure
- Health concerns such as diabetes, migraines, or high blood pressure
- Steroid use
Prevention
While glaucoma is not reversible, it can be managed and controlled. The glaucoma specialists at Michigan Eye Institute can create a customized glaucoma treatment plan for you.
Signs & Symptoms of Glaucoma
You may be experiencing the following symptoms if you’ve developed glaucoma:
Looking for a Glaucoma Specialist in Michigan?
You may not even notice these symptoms because of how gradually glaucoma develops over time, which makes it important to schedule yearly comprehensive exams. This is a great way to ensure that you detect this disease early on.
Scheduling your comprehensive eye exam every year can help detect glaucoma early.
Glaucoma Diagnosis in Michigan
Glaucoma can be diagnosed during a non-invasive dilated eye exam. During this comprehensive exam, your eye doctor checks your optic nerve for any damage. Your inner eye pressure will also be measured, and you will be assessed for any loss of your peripheral vision.
Treatment Options
After an exam and diagnosis, you and your eye doctor will work together to create the right treatment plan for you. Depending on what stage your glaucoma is in, you may have one of these treatment options:
Eye Drops
Glaucoma in its early stages can be managed with eye drops. These can lower eye pressure and stop the progression of the disease, but not reverse it.
Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
This procedure is less intrusive than traditional surgery and is used during the early stages of glaucoma. It is used to improve the eye’s natural drainage or decrease fluid production in the eye.
Through this method, our Michigan ophthalmologists and optometrists can improve your eye’s natural drainage or decrease eye fluid production depending on where the inherent issue lies. You’ll be back on your feet doing the things you want, whenever you want, in no time after seeing us.
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery
Typically utilized during more advanced stages of glaucoma, traditional surgery uses state-of-the-art shunt technology. The eye’s natural drainage can be improved, fluid can be removed from the eye, or fluid production can be decreased depending on your specific needs. This surgery can help avoid long-term vision loss.
Although recovery may last between two to four weeks, glaucoma surgery will help you avoid worsening vision in the long term and maintain your lifestyle.
Why Michigan Residents Choose Michigan Eye Institute
At Michigan Eye Institute, you can trust your vision to our expert and caring team of ophthalmologists and optometrists. Our mission is to provide you with quality care and excellent service. From your initial consultation to completing your treatment plan, our knowledgeable staff will guide you through every step of the process.
Read What Our Patients Are Saying
“Michigan eye Institute is a great place to go if you have problems with your eyes. They are polite, professional and caring. The doctors and staff are very knowledgeable.”
“Always have had a good experience with the staff in the office and never have had to wait a long time! I’ve had cataract surgery and that went very well!
“Large facility with many employees but very organized and courteous. Each department is managed and run like a company within a large umbrella moving clients along each process in a timely manner. Very clean facility, hospital like setting and employees continuously wipe equipment after client use.”
“I was treated with the utmost respect and the entire staff were professional and compassionate. I felt very comfortable discussing all my concerns. I was treated like a person (friend even) and not like a number. I highly recommend this institution.”
“Every single person whether on the phone or when I’ve been there in person has been very professional, helpful and kind! I’m amazed how great the staff is! And my doctor is awesome! In a office where they have this many patients I never thought my experiences would be consistently great! It’s a well oiled machine and they keep things moving along easily for each step of the process. I’m so happy I found Michigan Eye! 10 stars!”
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Concerned about how glaucoma can affect your eyes, life, and relationships? The eye experts at Michigan Eye Institute can help you maintain your lifestyle and sustain your vision. Come see how we can improve your life.
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