Glaucoma Diagnoses and Treatment Options

At Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates, we know that glaucoma is a leading progressive eye condition that can lead to a total loss of vision if left undiagnosed and/or untreated. Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, provides treatment for glaucoma from a trusted and experienced eye doctor who is well-versed in the condition itself. Understanding glaucoma diagnosis and treatment options can help you decide when you need to see an eye doctor in Columbia.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Glaucoma is diagnosed with routine eye exams and, in some cases, special diagnostic tests, such as:

•           Visual Field Test: Testing your peripheral vision is a must anytime you believe you may have glaucoma or another eye condition.

•           Tonometry: Tonometry tests measure the IOP, or intraocular pressure inside the eye(s)

•           Ophthalmoscopy: This procedure uses an instrument to check for optic nerve damage.

•           Pachymetry: This will help measure the overall thickness of the cornea of the affected eye(s).

•           Gonioscopy: This test can determine which drainage angle fluid is coming out of your eyes, which can also indicate which type of glaucoma you have.

Treating Glaucoma

If you're determined to treat your glaucoma as best as possible, you can do so by visiting a special optometrist in Columbia, SC, such as Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates. Treatment options to reduce IOP, or intraocular pressure, may include:

•           Laser Treatments: In some instances, laser therapy options such as laser trabeculoplasty, laser iridotomy, and cyclophotocoagulation may be used to reduce intraocular pressure behind the eyes while assisting in the drainage process.

•           Medications: Medications, such as prescription-grade eye drops, can help in the defense of treating glaucoma and/or preventing the worsening of the condition. Oral medications can also be prescribed to reduce intraocular pressure.

•           Surgical Options: Surgical options may be a last resort, but can help in severe cases of glaucoma. Drainage devices, a trabeculectomy, or even minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS, may be suggested.

Contact Our Eye Doctor Near You Today

Anytime you're in need of an optometrist in Columbia, SC, it's important to consider the condition you're dealing with and potential treatment options available to you. At Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates, we will work with you to determine which course of action or treatment is right for you based on your glaucoma diagnosis, its severity, as well as any other potentially underling triggers that are contributing to the worsening of the condition. To learn more about the basics of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment options, contact Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates today.