Glaucoma
Many people have glaucoma without realizing it. Without professional intervention, glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss.
Burcham Eyecare Center offers state-of-the-art diagnosis and management of glaucoma in Aurora, CO. We can slow the loss of your vision and help maintain your quality of life.
What Is Glaucoma? What You Should Know
Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve. It is the leading cause of blindness in people 60 years old and older.
Glaucoma is typically caused by poor drainage of aqueous humor, a clear, naturally occurring fluid within the eye. As fluid builds, eye pressure increases. This increase in pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) can lead to problems with the optic nerve.
There is no cure for glaucoma, and any vision loss you've experienced cannot be restored. However, early diagnosis and management can control intraocular pressure and slow down vision loss.
Types of Glaucoma
Many forms of glaucoma develop gradually and imperceptibly over time.
The exception is angle-closure glaucoma, which is painful and requires emergency eye care treatment to prevent vision loss.
- Open-Angle Glaucoma – The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma occurs when the fluid in your eyes does not drain properly. This excessive eye pressure presses against the optic nerve, affecting vision. Approximately 9 out of 10 people with glaucoma have open-angle glaucoma.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma – Also known as narrow-angle glaucoma and acute glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris prevents fluid drainage. This painful and sudden increase in eye pressure can cause blindness in just a few days without immediate medical attention.
- Congenital Glaucoma – Congenital glaucoma is glaucoma that is present at birth. It's estimated that only 1 in every 10,000 babies born in the U.S. experience congenital glaucoma.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma – Normal-tension glaucoma is a form of open-angle glaucoma that occurs in people who have normal eye pressure.
- Secondary Glaucoma – Secondary glaucoma is glaucoma caused by another health condition. This includes heightened eye pressure from diabetes, hypertension, exfoliation syndrome, uveitis, and eye injuries.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Most forms of open-angle glaucoma can be difficult for patients to detect on their own, because vision changes develop gradually. This is one reason why it's important to attend regular eye exams for professional testing. We recommend patients be mindful of tunnel vision, reduced visual field, and any blind spots in your peripheral vision.
Closed-angle glaucoma warning signs are much easier to notice, given the sudden increase in eye pressure. These symptoms include:
- Eye pain
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Low vision
- Halos
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Red eyes
Glaucoma Risk Factors Who Should Be Especially Concerned
Some people face a greater risk of developing heightened eye pressure that affects the optic nerve. Common risk factors for glaucoma include:
- Family history of glaucoma
- Advanced age
- High blood pressure
- Very low blood pressure
- Past eye injuries
- Long-term corticosteroid use
Set Up an Eye Exam With Our Doctors
Get Screened for Glaucoma in Aurora, CO
At Burcham Eyecare Center, our vision specialists have significant experience diagnosing and treating glaucoma.
Our ophthalmology center in Aurora uses state-of-the-art technology in combination with a compassionate approach. With every patient interaction, we help each guest at our office feel fully cared for.
Our professionals will examine your vision, answer all of your questions about potential vision loss, and make sure that you thoroughly understand your treatment options. To set up an appointment, contact our vision center in Aurora, CO.
(303) 340-4600
Our Eye Doctors Are Here to Help Looking Out for the People of Colorado
DJ Jos'D
2024
Been going to Burcham eye care center for many years and will continue to do so. Dr. Coco is awesome and has done so much to help my eyesight improve. The entire staff is so friendly, and all do a great job of making you feel comfortable with your visit.
View On GoogleTatiana Bonilla
2024
A very professional doctor who listens to his patients and conducts the best for his patients. A friendly team of people allowing for many questions to be answered by the doctor. I would highly recommend this office.
View On GoogleHow Our Doctors Detect and Diagnose Glaucoma
Our team of eye doctors will put you through a battery of tests. This will help them assess your intraocular pressure, the condition of your optic nerve, and any changes in your visual field.
Tonometry will be performed to check your intraocular pressure. Using a slit lamp, our doctors can closely examine your optic nerve. This includes a close assessment of the fibers of the optic nerve. Our doctors will also measure your vision at various distances, your peripheral vision, and the thickness of your cornea (pachymetry).
None of these vision tests are painful. You will need to have your eyes dilated, however, which will make you sensitive to light for a short while.
We can provide more information about each glaucoma test when you're at our Aurora eye care center.
Treatment and Management of Glaucoma
There are different treatments available to control your eye pressure and minimize damage to the optic nerve. Our Colorado eye care specialists can review your options following your glaucoma screening and go over any potential side effects.
Eye Drops for Glaucoma Management
Prescription eye drops for glaucoma are a common initial management option. These eye drops can help reduce the production of aqueous humor or promote better drainage of this fluid. This helps reduce overall pressure within the eye.
Oral Medication for Glaucoma Management
Though less common than prescription eye drops, oral medications can also be used to help lower eye pressure and slow the narrowing of a patient's visual field.
Surgery for Glaucoma
Glaucoma surgery is generally recommended for acute angle-closure glaucoma since it causes rapid vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma patients may also undergo traditional surgery or laser surgery if medications have not prevented further optic nerve damage.
Exceptional Ophthalmology in Aurora More Reviews for Burcham Eyecare Center
May Ho
2024
Great service! The Doctor was extremely patient and very knowledgeable. I felt safe and knew I was in good hands.
View On GoogleKelly J Brown
2023
I am very pleased with Dr Burcham and the staff. They are very thorough considerate and professional.
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