GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, leading to progressive, irreversible loss of vision. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye.

The nerve damage involves loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern. There are many different sub-types of glaucoma but they can all be considered a type of optic neuropathy. Raised intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma (above 22 mmHg). One person may develop nerve damage at a relatively low pressure, while another person may have high eye pressure for years and yet never develop damage. Untreated glaucoma leads to permanent damage of the optic nerve and can result in visual field loss, which can progress to blindness.

OPEN ANGLE AND NARROW/CLOSED ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma can be divided roughly into two main categories, "Open angle" and "closed angle" glaucoma. Narrow/Closed angle glaucoma can appear suddenly and is often painfu.. Visual loss can progress quickly but the discomfort often leads patients to seek medical attention before permanent damage occurs. Open angle chronic glaucoma tends to progress at a slower rate and the patient may not notice that they have lost vision until the disease has progressed significantly.
(See Media Player for more information)

Glaucoma has been nicknamed the "sneak robber of sight" because the loss of vision normally occurs gradually over a long period of time and is often only recognized when the disease is quite advanced. Once lost, this damaged visual field cannot be recovered. Worldwide, it is the second leading cause of blindness.It is also the first leading cause of blindness among African Americans. Glaucoma affects 1 in 200 people aged fifty and younger, and 1 in 10 over the age of eighty. If the condition is detected early enough it is possible to arrest the development or slow the progression with medical and surgical means.

LOW TENSION GLAUCOMA

In this type of glaucoma we believe not enough blood reaches the tiny arteries in the optic nerve. Blood from the heart flows towards the head, and then to the eye. Behind the eye the blood flows in a small artery, and just behind the eye the small blood artery enters the optic nerve itself. Inside the nerve this small artery provides even smaller tiny branches that reach the tissues of the nerve. Without its blood supply, the nerve becomes damaged, and the sight will be reduced. An alternative explanation is that there is a fault with the blood vessel oxygen extraction process.

In low tension glaucoma it is thought the primary problem is too low a pressure in the blood supply to the nerve. This is rather like having a low water pressure in a house... not enough water comes out of the tap.  We do no know why this is, but only rarely does the nerve become badly damaged.

Treatment is drops in most patients. The drops lower the pressure in the eye so more blood can flow in. Occasionally an operation is needed as below.

COMBINED GLAUCOMA

When a person develops Glaucoma with angle-closure and open-angle mechanisms in the same eye, he/she is diagnosed as having "combined glaucoma".

PLEASE VIEW THE MEDIA PROVIDED BELOW
TO LEARN ABOUT GLAUCOMA

~ Member Of ~

___________________

Richard S. Kalski, M.D.
Sunset International Center
7000 SW 97th Avenue
Suite 114
Miami, Florida 33173
Tel: 305-665-2023
Fax: 305-665-2363
Email: kalskivision@aol.com

Open Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
"Se Habla Español"

See Directions & Map