Glaucoma

Glaucoma

glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, making it an important public health priority. Although there are several factors that cause glaucoma, all types of glaucoma are characterized by damage to the optic nerve. This damage prevents the brain from receiving appropriate visual information, resulting in vision loss. If you experience any change in vision, contact an eye care provider immediately for a full examination.

Causes of Glaucoma

Although there are many types of glaucoma and the exact causes are unknown, the general characteristics are understood. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. This form results when the eye cannot drain fluids efficiently, leading to increased pressure in the eye and damage to the optic nerve. Changes to the blood supply fueling the optic nerve may also cause optic nerve damage, resulting in vision loss.

A less common form of glaucoma, called angle-closure glaucoma, occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea is blocked. This causes a rapid buildup of fluid, which can permanently damage vision within one day of its onset. Other forms of glaucoma form because of medical conditions, physical injuries, abnormal eye conditions, or medication use.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Certain groups of people are at greater risk for developing glaucoma.

  • Older adults. Individuals greater than 60 years old are at increased risk for developing the disease. The risk continues to rise slightly for each year beyond 60.
  • African Americans and Asians. African Americans are significantly more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians, and that risk begins to rise at age 40. Similarly, Asian individuals are at greater risk of angle-closure glaucoma, while people of Japanese descent at a high risk of another form of the disease called low-tension glaucoma.
  • Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These medical conditions significantly increase glaucoma risk and high blood pressure is a risk factor for the disease.
  • Family history. If you have one or more first-degree relatives with glaucoma, your risk for the disease increases. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to developing glaucoma.
  • Corticosteroid use. Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation related to arthritis, lupus, and other conditions. Chronic use of corticosteroids may increase your risk of developing glaucoma

Diagnosis and Treatment

A thorough optometry exam includes checking for symptoms of glaucoma. To make a diagnosis, the eye care provider may measure corneal thickness, check the pressure inside your eyes, test changes to your vision, evaluate your retinas, and assess abnormal eye anatomy. If glaucoma is caught early, further vision loss can be prevented. Treatments commonly include medications to reduce intraocular pressure or surgery. If you have noticed vision changes, ask your eye doctor to determine if glaucoma may be the underlying cause.

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • I have been seeing Dr. William Berk for the last 20 years and have always received top notch service. Highly recommend Dr. Bill and his wife Dr. Anne Berk.

    - July 26, 2022
  • dr. anne is the best! she is really caring, professional, and hilarious. not many can make an eye exam enjoyable, but she and her staff are successful! :)

    - June 9, 2020
  • Love Dr. Anne! She is fantastic and so helpful figuring out solutions for seeing well in all areas of life! Thank you! Also staff is friendly and caring and was super happy to have photos instead of dilation and no more air puffs for eye pressure! State of the art!

    - September 22, 2022
  • I have been going here for over 6 years. They are thorough and care sbout your eye health. They also have great service. I definitely recommend them.

    - January 14, 2023
  • Great people great service been coming to them for 30 years😍

    - October 27, 2022
  • Getting new frames is always a painless and pleasant experience here. The staff are professional and friendly.

    - August 27, 2022
  • This place is awesome. Everyone is so nice and you feel like you are getting the best deal. This is my new eye place. The best ever. Thank you all for treating me with professionalism.

    - January 15, 2023
  • Friendly staff, welcoming setting, professional opinions, and great prices! Dr Kimmi is the best! Can’t recommend this place highly enough!

    - January 26, 2023
  • I really love all the people at HV Vision Source! The doctors listen to any questions or concerns I have & never give up on helping me. Thanks so much❣️

    - January 28, 2023
  • My Happy Valley Vision Source appointment went well. Dr. Chan was very helpful and informative regarding my vision requirements. I recommend them if you need eye care.

    - May 19, 2023
  • This was my first time at this office. Everything from the booking experience to the exam to the final payment was great. Everyone was very professional. I'll definitely be back and recommend this place!

    - March 10, 2023
  • The doctor and staff were great. Very knowledgeable and willing to answer all my questions and help me select a new pair of glasses. Thank you for the great service.

    - March 18, 2023
  • I arrived early. Only waited about 5 minutes. I ❤️ Dr.Nguyen. She's like a breath of fresh air. She diagnosed my issue quickly and I'm on the road to recovery! Thank you!😊

    - July 5, 2023
  • Completed my eye exam within an hour and everyone there is nice. Probably the best office I have been to throughout my life having glasses.

    - May 11, 2023
  • Wonderful experience, and very helpful getting my vision back to perfect.

    - June 9, 2023
  • I had the best experience here! I would recommend Happy Valley Vision Source to anyone looking for a new place to have an eye exam. I love my glasses and contacts and the staff was amazing!

    - May 23, 2023

Hours of Operation

Due to appointment demand, you may be charged a minimum $39 fee if you cancel or miss your appointment without 24 hour notice.

Office Hours

Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Office Hours

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

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