Glaucoma is caused by “pressure” inside the eye. Glaucoma is termed as the silent thief of sight because patients generally do not notice their peripheral vision diminishing until it is in an advanced stage.
In a glaucoma eye, the fluid produced is too much or outflow is too little. The fluid filtering through your eyes (trabecular meshwork) does not work properly causing the eye pressure to increase. As this painless process proceeds, it increases your intraocular pressure causing damage to your optic nerve. Your optic nerve is responsible for carrying visual impulses to your brain for optimal vision.
When the optic nerve is damaged by glaucoma, your Middlesex Eye Physician ophthalmologist will note a change. This change can be documented by photographs of the optic nerve; called a cup to disk ratio. The cup to disk ratio is a numerical measurement used by your ophthalmologist in evaluating the progression of your glaucoma. (Below is a fundus photo of an optic nerve that has glaucoma).
Glaucoma can be treated with eye medications. When caught in its early stages, physicians will monitor patients with an eye exam, perform visual fields (side vision testing) and the OCT (measurement of the retinal nerve fiber and optic nerve) and if needed prescribe eye medications.
When visiting your Middlesex Eye Physician ophthalmologist, your exam will include an evaluation of your eye pressure and documentation of your optic nerve along with your filtering angles.
It is important if you are diagnosed with glaucoma to see your ophthalmologist on your scheduled visits. If you are prescribed a glaucoma medication, this must be evaluated each time you return to our office to ensure your medications are working.
Cup to Disk Fundus Photo