Glaucoma Specialist
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Amirikia Eye Center
Optometry & Ophthalmology & Retina Specialist located in Pontiac, MI
Throughout the world, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. According to data collected by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 2.7 million Americans have glaucoma. However, thanks to advancements in diagnostics and treatment, the risk of blindness has dropped by almost half since 1980. Regular eye exams are crucial for early intervention, and booking an exam with Amirikia Eye Center is fast and easy with the online scheduling tool. Dr. Arezo Amirikia provides thorough eye exams that can detect glaucoma and other eye disorders, and help South East Michigian residents preserve their vision.
Glaucoma Q & A
What is glaucoma?
Rather than a specific condition, glaucoma describes a group of diseases that affect the eyes. One of the hallmarks of glaucoma is elevated pressure within your eyes.
A fluid called aqueous humor circulates through your eyes when they function correctly. It brings nourishment and lubrication before draining through a tiny area of mesh-like tissue.
When that drain becomes clogged, the fluid within your eyes backs up and places increasingly greater pressure on your eyes.
That pressure can severely damage your optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting data from your eyes to your brain. Over time, that damage can lead to permanent blindness.
What are some common symptoms of glaucoma?
It’s important to note that some people have no symptoms, which is why it’s critical to obtain routine eye exams to check for subtle signs of glaucoma. When symptoms are present, they include:
- Problems with peripheral vision
- Redness
- Blurred vision or halo effects
- Severe pain in your eye or forehead
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blind spots in your field of vision
How is glaucoma treated?
Damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, and treatment efforts focus on preventing further damage. The first step in treating glaucoma is a thorough eye examination and health history check.
Dr. Amirikia uses the information from your exam to devise a customized treatment plan. A conservative approach uses special eye drop medications to reduce pressure within your eyes.
Another approach is laser surgery, which uses targeted beams of light to improve drainage of your aqueous fluid. Laser surgery can improve the angle at which fluid drains from your eyes. It can also create a tiny hole to allow more fluid to drain.
In some cases, surgical procedures to adjust the physiology of your eyes can assist in reducing pressure. Glaucoma drainage devices can also be implanted within your eye to assist with drainage.
Early detection is the best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma. Schedule an appointment today for a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Amirikia.
