Glaucoma

Glaucoma Specialists Serving St. Petersburg & Pinellas Park

At Sight360, we take pride in providing comprehensive glaucoma care to the residents of the Greater Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park. Our team of skilled optometrists and general ophthalmologists collaborates with highly trained glaucoma specialists to offer advanced treatments and personalized care for this complex eye condition.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye conditions that can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and, ultimately, blindness if left untreated. It is often associated with increased intraocular pressure, which can result in damage to the optic nerve fibers. Regular eye exams and early detection are key since it typically develops gradually and may not display noticeable symptoms until the later stages.

Types of Glaucoma

There are different types of glaucoma, but they can be broadly categorized into two main types: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Other types of glaucoma include congenital glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma.

Open Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting about 90% of all glaucoma cases. It occurs when the drainage channels for aqueous humor in the eye become clogged, causing pressure to build up inside the eye. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve over time, leading to vision loss.

Like other types of glaucoma, it often develops slowly and there may be no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, people may experience:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Tunnel vision (loss of vision except for a small area straight ahead)
• Blind spots in the central field of vision

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-Closure Glaucoma, also known as Acute Glaucoma, occurs when the eye’s drainage angle becomes suddenly blocked, leading to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). This form of glaucoma is a medical emergency and can cause severe damage to the optic nerve if not treated immediately.

Common symptoms include

• Intense eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Nausea

Those at higher risk include people over 40, women, and individuals of Asian descent.

Treatment focuses on quickly reducing IOP through medications, laser therapy (laser iridotomy), or surgery. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection, especially for those at risk. Preventive measures, such as a prophylactic laser iridotomy, can help avoid an acute attack, preserving vision and eye health.

Glaucoma Causes & Risk Factors

While each type of glaucoma presents with unique characteristics and risk factors, there are some shared risk factors. Glaucoma can occur in people of all ages and of any race. Some factors that make you more susceptible include:

• Medical conditions: certain medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and migraines can increase your risk.
• Race: being of African-American descent gives you a higher chance of developing glaucoma
• Eye health: eye conditions that increase your chance of developing glaucoma include being extremely nearsighted or farsighted
• Age: as you age, your risk of developing glaucoma increases, which is why we recommend everyone over 40 receive an annual dilated eye exam
• Family history: if someone in your family has glaucoma, you are more likely to develop glaucoma

Importance of Glaucoma Specialists

Glaucoma specialists play a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Their specialized expertise in this field allows them to employ advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate the severity of the condition and monitor its progression over time. They are well-versed in interpreting complex test results, such as:

• Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
• Pachymetry to assess corneal thickness
• Optic nerve imaging
• Visual field testing to evaluate peripheral vision loss

With this comprehensive understanding of the condition, our glaucoma specialists can tailor individualized treatment plans to effectively preserve vision and enhance the overall quality of life for our patients.

Comprehensive Glaucoma Services for Tampa Bay

At Sight360, our glaucoma services encompass a wide range of diagnostics, treatment options, and ongoing management techniques to address the varying needs of our patients:

• Diagnostics: we utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tests to accurately assess and monitor glaucoma progression. These advanced techniques enable our specialists to detect subtle changes in eye health and promptly intervene to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
• Treatment options: we offer a comprehensive array of glaucoma treatments, including eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure, laser therapy to improve fluid drainage, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to enhance outflow pathways, and traditional glaucoma surgery for more advanced cases. Our goal is to customize treatment plans that effectively control glaucoma and minimize its impact on patients’ vision.
• Ongoing management: glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing care and regular follow-up appointments. Our glaucoma specialists work closely with patients to monitor their condition, make necessary adjustments to treatment plans, and ensure optimal vision preservation over time.

Why Choose Sight360 as Your Glaucoma Specialist in Tampa Bay?

At Sight360, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-centered glaucoma care. The collaborative approach between our general ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists ensures that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care throughout every phase of the disease. With advanced technologies, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate professionals, Sight360 is the ideal choice for your glaucoma management in the Greater Tampa Bay area.

We are proud to have Dr. Courtney Bovee on our team – a board-certified, Harvard Fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist. She travels around the country speaking about glaucoma and cutting-edge treatments. With Dr. Bovee at the helm, you can feel confident that you’ll receive the best possible glaucoma care and treatment. Request an appointment today to get started.