
Glaucoma
By the time you notice symptoms of glaucoma, it could already be too late.
Glaucoma can take your vision before presenting any noticeable symptoms. Routine eye exams are the only way to catch the disease early on.
The eye doctors at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. in Dover, Newark, and Wilmington, DE, can diagnose glaucoma and prevent vision loss.
Are You Due for an Eye Exam? Contact Our Wilmington Practice
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It is important to maintain routine eye exams to protect your ocular health and prevent vision loss. Regular exams can help us detect signs of glaucoma. Early diagnosis is the best way to protect your vision. Contact our Wilmington, DE, practice to request your eye exam.
Glaucoma Explained
Glaucoma is a group of incurable degenerative eye diseases in which the eye's intraocular pressure (IOP) increases so much that it causes optic nerve damage. Located at the back of the eye, the optic nerve transmits signals from the retina to the brain, which allows us to see. Permanent vision loss occurs when the optic nerve is damaged. Our eye doctors can detect the early signs of the disease and prevent it from taking your vision.
The Risk Factors of Glaucoma
Medical Conditions
A history of certain medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, leukemia, and ocular hypertension can all increase your risk for glaucoma.
Family History
Your risk of developing glaucoma increases if the disease runs in your family.
Eye Injury
Patients who have had a previous injury to their eye have a greater chance of developing glaucoma.
Age
Your risk increases as you age, and significantly increases after age 60.
Race
African Americans have a higher risk for glaucoma.
Medication
Previous steroid use can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.
The Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, each with different causes and symptoms. While all our Delaware-based eye doctors treat common glaucoma, Dr. Scott Fudemberg specializes in complex, difficult-to-treat glaucoma. He is one of only a few referral specialists treating glaucoma in the Wilmington area.

Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the condition, is caused by a blockage in the eye's trabecular meshwork. The blockage reduces the natural drainage of fluid, causing a buildup of eye pressure. Open-angle glaucoma presents itself with no symptoms in the early stages. If left untreated, the disease can cause you to lose your peripheral vision, central vision, or lead to complete blindness. Early treatment is necessary to preserve sight.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, causes an acute, sudden blockage where fluid cannot drain, leading to a rapid increase in eye pressure. The symptoms of this glaucoma type come on suddenly and can cause a severe headache, eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision. Contact our practice if you are experiencing any symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma is not connected with an increase in intraocular pressure, making it unique to other forms of the disease. The exact cause of this type of glaucoma is still unknown. No matter the cause, early detection is still the best way to treat the condition and prevent vision loss. Similar to open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma presents no symptoms in the early stages. As it progresses, patients tend to experience blurred vision and an eventual loss of peripheral vision.

Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma is caused by an underlying medical condition, like a previous eye injury or disease, that leads to increased eye pressure. Secondary glaucoma can be either open or closed-angle and can still lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Congenital Glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma occurs at birth and is caused by genetic defects in the drainage structure of the eye or another eye condition. Symptoms can be challenging to detect since it occurs in children and infants. Some symptoms include cloudy corneas, spasms of the eyelid, and increased blinking.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
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Our practice recommends maintaining yearly eye exams to help prevent glaucoma from progressing. You should contact our Wilmington, DE, practice immediately if you notice any change in your visual field, as this could be a sign of glaucoma.
Don't Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight Contact Our Wilmington-Area Practice Today
When facing vision loss, you want an experienced team you can trust. Our eye doctors have the skills, tools, and experience to diagnose and treat any stage of glaucoma amd help protect your vision. As a patient-focused practice, we listen to each individual's needs and are dedicated to providing the finest eye care.
Coming to our practice once a year can help prevent optic nerve damage and save your vision. Our comprehensive exams go beyond just assessing your visual field. We can test for all forms of glaucoma to get ahead of the disease and protect your sight.
Contact our Wilmington, DE, practice to request your consultation.
(302) 652-3353

We Treat You Like Family Our Caring Staff Creates 5-Star Experiences
The staff was very helpful and nice. They were efficient, knowledgeable and really cared about my wellbeing.
View on GoogleI have been a patient at Eye Physicians and Surgeons for over twenty years and would go nowhere else!
View on GoogleNon-Invasive Treatment Medical Eye Drops are Your First Line of Defense
The treatment of glaucoma depends on the type and stage of the disease. Our eye doctors typically recommend eye drops for patients in the early stages of glaucoma. Some eye drops can decrease eye pressure by improving fluid drainage, while others reduce the amount of fluid your eyes produce. Both forms help protect you from optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Glaucoma Laser Surgery
Our Delaware-based practice uses the latest technology to provide the most effective treatment options.
Delaware Trusts Us to Protect Their Vision
I’m extremely happy with the level of care and professionalism of the doctor and technicians and those responsibly for scheduling , billing, etc. My vision has significantly improved as well!!
View on GoogleVery professional and user-friendly!! Went in really scared about what was happening. Left calm cool and collected.. Very very pleased Thank you
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