Glaucoma Care
Maintain Comfort & Clarity.
Glaucoma is also known as the “silent thief of sight” and can go undiagnosed. The glaucoma specialists at BoozmanHof can help you manage your condition, and maintain your quality of life.
What is Glaucoma?
In the world of eye health, glaucoma poses a formidable threat. Picture this: within your eyes, various types of glaucoma lurk, silently damaging the optic nerve. What triggers this damage? It’s the buildup of fluid, causing pressure inside the eye to skyrocket. Think of the optic nerve as a vital messenger, relaying visual information to the brain. But as glaucoma takes hold, this messenger starts to falter, leading to the gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Who gets Glaucoma?
Here’s the twist: glaucoma is a master of disguise. It often wreaks havoc silently, with over 50% of optic nerve damage occurring before any noticeable vision loss. By the time symptoms manifest, the damage can be severe, with over 90% already done. Shockingly, some individuals reach legal blindness before even considering seeking medical help. At BoozmanHof, we understand the urgency of early detection and treatment, ensuring your vision remains clear and vibrant for years to come.
In the realm of glaucoma, no one is immune. Yet, some find themselves at a higher risk of falling prey to this condition.
Consider:
- Individuals aged 60 and above
- Those of African American or Latino/Hispanic heritage
- Individuals with family ties to glaucoma
- People with severe nearsightedness (myopia)
- Those battling diabetes
- Individuals with a history of prolonged steroid use
At around 40, it’s wise to undergo a comprehensive glaucoma examination. Then, every two to four years, a check-up keeps your vision on track. Now, if you tick off any of these risk factors – be it African or Latino/Hispanic descent, age over 60, or a family history of glaucoma – consider stepping up your vigilance. Experts recommend screenings every one to two years after 35. And for those already diagnosed, regular check-ups are paramount to maintaining eye health. At BoozmanHof, we’re committed to safeguarding your vision at every turn.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
When it comes to safeguarding your vision, a glaucoma screening is your shield. Here’s what it entails:
- Tonometry: This test measures the pressure inside your eye, a key indicator of glaucoma risk.
- Gonioscopy: By examining the drainage angle of your eye, we gain crucial insights into your eye health.
- Perimetry (visual field testing): This assessment is pivotal, uncovering any peripheral or central vision loss.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Through a magnified eye exam, we meticulously scrutinize for optic nerve damage and other telltale signs of glaucoma susceptibility.
At BoozmanHof, we harness the power of cutting-edge technology to fortify your defense against glaucoma. Including Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (Cirrus HD-OCT) – a game-changer in early detection and monitoring. With this state-of-the-art device, our experts can spot glaucoma sooner and track its progression with precision. Your vision deserves the best, and at BoozmanHof, we deliver nothing less.
How is Glaucoma Treated?
When it comes to tackling glaucoma, our focus is on management rather than cure. Here’s how we do it:
- Eye Drops: Picture these as your first line of defense. These prescribed drops work wonders in reducing eye pressure, the primary target in glaucoma treatment.
- Laser Surgery: Sometimes, a little laser magic is all it takes. Whether it’s boosting fluid flow for open-angle glaucoma or clearing blockages for angle-closure glaucoma, laser surgery steps in as a powerful ally.
- Trabeculectomy: Think of this as precision engineering for your eyes. Through microsurgery, we create a channel to drain excess fluid, alleviating eye pressure and slowing the progression of glaucoma.
At BoozmanHof, we’re armed with an array of specialized treatments that can slow the progression of glaucoma and help maintain the clarity of your vision.
Dr. Austin Bell
Dr. Bell specializes in advanced glaucoma treatment & surgery. He is board certified and has received advanced training in medical and surgical glaucoma management. He is particularly interested in minimally invasive glaucoma surgical techniques and procedures. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
Dr. Bell attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as a Chancellor’s Scholar where he received his Bachelor in Science in Biology and graduated with honors. He received his medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, and completed his fellowship training in glaucoma at the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Dr. Bell grew up in Rogers and is passionate about practicing in his hometown to improve vision and prevent blindness in his community. Dr. Bell and his wife Emily have two sons and one daughter.
- GLAUCOMA FAQ's -
What are common types of Glaucoma?
Let’s unravel the mystery of glaucoma by diving into some of the more common types:
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- Open-Angle Glaucoma: Picture a sluggish drain, gradually clogging up. This is the most prevalent form, where the eye’s drainage system operates at a snail’s pace. As fluid struggles to find its way out, pressure builds up within the eye, setting the stage for glaucoma.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Now, imagine a sudden blockade in the drainage system, like a dam holding back a river. In this less common type, the eye’s drainage route is abruptly obstructed. The result? A rapid surge in eye pressure, spelling trouble for vision.
- Congenital Glaucoma: Congenital glaucoma is a rare genetic form of open-angle 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 can still causes damage to your optic nerve, however the pressure within your eye remains within normal ranges.
- 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.
At BoozmanHof, we unravel the complexities of glaucoma and tailor our approach to safeguard your sight, no matter the challenge.
Who is at risk?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors can put you at higher risk.
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- Family history of glaucoma
- Taking multiple medications to treat a single ailment or condition
- Being diabetic
- Being over 40-years-old
- Previous trauma to the eye
- Prolonged use of steroid medications
What are glaucoma symptoms?
In the early stages, open-angle glaucoma shows no symptoms. This is why it has been nicknamed “the silent thief of sight.” As the condition progresses, glaucoma symptoms can include a loss of side vision. Over time, tunnel vision can occur.
The symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma can come on suddenly. They include:
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- Severe eye pain
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Seeing halos around lights
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Here’s how we spot the stealthy threat of glaucoma:
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- Optic Nerve Check: We meticulously examine the health of your optic nerve, a vital clue in detecting glaucoma.
- Eye Pressure Assessment: Think of this as a pressure check for your eyes. By measuring intraocular pressure, we uncover signs of glaucoma lurking beneath the surface.
- Visual Field Test: Should glaucoma be suspected, we delve deeper with a visual field test. This assessment reveals any loss of peripheral vision, a hallmark of glaucoma.
- Optic Nerve Imaging: With cutting-edge technology, we capture images of your optic nerve, providing invaluable insights into the progression of the disease.
How is glaucoma treated?
At BoozmanHof, we understand that while there’s no cure for glaucoma, there are effective treatments to slow its progression:
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- Eye Drops: Often the first line of defense, prescribed eye drops work to maintain optimal eye pressure, slowing the advancement of the disease.
- MIGS Surgery: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is a procedure that uses microscopic equipment and tiny incisions to lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of optic nerve damage. MIGS is a good option for people with mild to moderate glaucoma.
- Laser Surgery: For open-angle glaucoma, laser surgery can enhance fluid flow, while for angle-closure glaucoma, it effectively clears fluid blockages.
- Trabeculectomy: In this surgical procedure, a new drainage channel is crafted, reducing eye pressure and mitigating the impact of glaucoma.
Should surgery be necessary, our care ensures comprehensive support throughout, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative care. At BoozmanHof, your vision is our priority every step of the way.