Glaucoma Treatment Options

The diagnosis of glaucoma becomes more common as we age, and about 1 out of every 3 patients over the age of 70 has diagnosis. But some studies show that up to 50% of glaucoma goes undiagnosed. And once diagnosed, treatment may be difficult or expensive for patients, leading to ineffective treatment, and potential loss of vision. The approach to treatment of glaucoma is a great example of an area of medicine which involves employing some of “The Art of the Practice of Medicine”. Medical therapy can be used, as well as laser treatment, and even surgical intervention.
• Eyedrops
o Many different drops available
o Some decrease production of fluid inside the eye
o Others increase drainage of fluid out of the eye
o Very effective
• Laser therapy aka ALT (Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty)
o May be used as first-line therapy
o Very effective
o May be repeated later in life if needed
o Often decreases or eliminates the need for eye drops for treatment
• Surgical treatment (Trabeculectomy)
o Usually only employed when other therapies are ineffective
o Higher risk, therefore not used as first-line, but rather when damage has already occurred.
Dr. William Goldstein of the Laser Eye Care Center has the most advanced equipment for the diagnosis of glaucoma. He has extensive experience with the disease, and treatment with all modes of therapy to ensure preservation of vision in these patients. Call 586-323-2020 to arrange an appointment with Dr. Goldstein.

Health screening for cataracts in Detroit

From time to time, Dr. Goldstein participate in health screening events at the local community centers. These events are very useful for patients, in that they help them to discover issues with their eye health that they may not be aware of. For instance, high pressure in the eye could indicate glaucoma, which is not detectable because it does not cause any symptoms for patients. Cataracts, on the other hand, can cause very mild reductions in vision, and the vision screening may indicate this if the patient has trouble reading the chart.
After the screening, if cataracts or glaucoma are possible, then patients are advised to see an ophthalmologist for a full examination. A complete examination should be performed at that time, including dilation with eyedrops. In this way, early signs of disease can be detected to avoid vision damage. If cataract surgery is needed, Dr. Goldstein prefers to perform crystalens cataract surgery as an outpatient.
Cataracts in Detroit are best detected through a complete eye examination by Dr. William Goldstein. Call the office at 586-323-2020 now to arrange an appointment.

Glaucoma, The Silent Killer

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States in the elderly population, but it is a preventable cause! Unfortunately, it does not have any symptoms, so it is sometimes called the “Silent Killer of Vision” by eye doctors. It can only be discovered by an eye-care professional during a full eye examination. This is the reason that yearly eye exams are required for every patient above the age of 50.
So, how is glaucoma discovered during an eye examination? There are two findings that would raise a doctor’s suspicion. First, high pressure inside the eye, usually above 20 mm Hg, may be found. Even if the pressure is normal, glaucoma may be detected if the optic nerve inside the eye has an abnormal appearance.
Once an abnormality is found, testing needs to be done to determine if the patient has glaucoma or if they need to be followed for the future development of the disease. Visual field testing and optic nerve mapping with an OCT or HRT instrument are performed in the office of the eye doctor. If glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment is started, with eye drops or with laser treatment.
Dr. Goldstein performs eye examinations on patients to screen for glaucoma and other eye diseases. His in-office glaucoma testing center is convenient for patients, and features the latest, state-of-the-art technology. Call Dr. William Goldstein’s office, Laser Eye Care Center, at 586-323-2020 to arrange an examination.