Glaucoma

Sanderson Eye Clinic

Ophthalmologists & Optometrists located in Edina, MN

More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness in the United States and the world. Early detection and treatment are essential to preserving your vision and controlling this disease. At Sanderson Eye Clinic, men and women from in and around Edina, Minnesota, receive comprehensive glaucoma screening and treatment services. Dr. Jeffrey P. Sanderson offers numerous treatment options to help preserve your vision and support overall eye health. Schedule an appointment by calling the office at your earliest convenience.

Glaucoma Q & A

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a severe ocular disease that affects the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. There are two primary types of glaucoma:

Primary open-angle glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and develops slowly. Your eyes have an effective integrated drainage system to flush out excess fluid. When that drainage system slows or becomes blocked, pressure builds within your eye, damaging your optic nerve.

Angle-closure glaucoma

This type of glaucoma can develop slowly or rapidly and occurs when your iris sits very close to your drainage angle. If your iris blocks the drainage system in your eye, a sudden and acute glaucoma attack occurs. In some cases, the condition develops more slowly and is difficult to detect initially.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Early detection is critical to finding an effective treatment path. Dr. Sanderson screens for glaucoma using a combination of approaches.

A comprehensive eye exam includes a measure of pressure within your eye. Tonometry is a standard screening tool and uses a device known as a tonometer to direct a puff of air against your eye.

Ophthalmoscopy is another diagnostic tool and uses a special medical device to check the color and shape of your optic nerve. Visual field tests, including perimetry, help determine if your field of vision is normal.

Another test, gonioscopy, uses a special, hand-held contact lens fitted with a mirror to display the angle between your iris and cornea and look for signs of blockage or closure. Pachymetry is a testing option that determines the thickness of your cornea, which helps Dr. Sanderson interpret your other test results.

What are the treatment options for glaucoma?

Glaucoma is incurable, but it’s possible to slow and control the progression of the disease to preserve your vision for as long as possible. Treatment options focus on the reducing pressure within your eye.

Prescription eye drops work by either increasing the flow of fluid from your eye or reducing the volume of fluid within your eye. Numerous options are available, each with its potential side effects.

Oral medication also helps but may cause side effects. Surgical options include procedures to implant tiny drains in your eye, unclog your existing drainage system, or improve the flow of fluid in your eye.

To schedule a comprehensive eye examination, including screening for glaucoma, reach out to Sanderson Eye Clinic today.