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.

Contact us to request your appointment.

The Risk Factors of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but some factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. Tell your eye doctor if you have any of these high-risk factors:

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

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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.

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I have been a patient at Eye Physicians and Surgeons for over twenty years and would go nowhere else!

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Non-Invasive Treatment Medical Eye Drops are Your First Line of Defense

Eye drops into eye

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 eye doctors will always begin with the least-invasive form of treatment. However, when medication or eye drops fail, surgical options are explored. Glaucoma laser surgery is often a safe and effective treatment that can protect patients from further vision loss. It is important to note that while laser surgery and other glaucoma treatments can prevent further loss of sight, they cannot restore your vision.

Our Delaware-based practice uses the latest technology to provide the most effective treatment options.

Trabeculoplasty

Trabeculoplasty can lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. This in-office procedure uses laser pulses to encourage the outflow of fluid from the eye, lowering intraocular pressure by 60-70% on average.

Iridotomy

Iridotomy is an effective procedure for those with closed-angle glaucoma. Our eye doctors use a laser to create a tiny hole in the iris, which allows the canal between the iris and cornea to open and for fluid to flow freely.

Cyclophotocoagulation

Cyclophotocoagulation uses a laser to slow fluid production by treating the ciliary tissue that produces aqueous fluid. The process lowers intraocular pressure to alleviate symptoms and protect your optic nerve.

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Incisional Surgery

Incisional surgery is typically the last recommended glaucoma treatment. There are two types of conventional surgery: trabeculectomy filtering and tube shunt.

Both forms of surgery can successfully lower eye pressure and prevent future vision loss.

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!!

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