Glaucoma - Stamm Cataract & Laser Center in Erie, PA

Glaucoma is a condition of the eye whereby some damage has occurred to the optic nerve as a result of elevated fluid pressure. If left untreated, it may progress and cause permanent vision loss. All ages are at risk for glaucoma - from babies to senior citizens.
Glaucoma is associated with a gradual loss of peripheral vision (see image below). It is often accompanied by higher than normal fluid pressures in the eye which results in damage to the optic nerve. This damage is seen on the eye exam as an enlargement of the normal depression in the center of the optic nerve - the optic cup. However, approximately 30% of patients who have glaucoma do not have elevated fluid pressures in their eyes, yet they do have enlargement of their optic cups or other signs of glaucoma.
Enlargement of the optic cup is referred to as optic cupping, and when it is seen on an eye exam, it is one of the main reasons patients are tested for glaucoma. However, there are also many patients who were born with an enlarged cup that do not have glaucoma at all. This is referred to as physiologic cupping. It becomes important to distinguish whether this optic cupping is important and signifies glaucoma or if it just happens to be a result of normal development.
Gradual loss of peripheral vision. Click on image for more info.	What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma? How can we catch Glaucoma early and prevent damage? What is Normal Pressure and Ocular Hypertension? Why is my Doctor now suggesting Corneal Pachymetry? What is the Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment Program offered at the Stamm Cataract & Laser Center?
Glaucoma is not curable, however, it is manageable. But first it must be diagnosed. Often, glaucoma can be managed with medication and/or laser surgery. This means that further loss of vision may be halted. However, glaucoma is a chronic disease that must be treated for life.

$Refractive Lens Implants$

Stamm Cataract & Laser Center, Inc. | Bayfront Professional Building
300 State Street, Suite 200
Erie, PA 16507

How to Find Us | Home