Can Glaucoma Be Cured?

Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the internal pressure of the eye increases due to fluid build-up. Eventually, the rise in intraocular pressure can affect the optic nerve, causing vision impairment and ultimately blindness. The good news is that early detection and treatment of glaucoma can slow the progression of the condition, alleviate pressure, and provide relief from discomfort. In rare cases, vision can improve with treatment, but damage already caused by glaucoma prior to treatment typically tends to be permanent. This fact is why it is so important to receive regular eye checkups and undergo diagnostic testing for glaucoma—early detection and early treatment are the best ways to preserve vision and control the progressive nature of the condition.

At Riverside EyeCare Professionals our board-certified ophthalmologists—Drs. Michael and Sean Sumsion—provide top-quality diagnostic testing and treatment for glaucoma using the latest technology and techniques. Eye pressure is measured at every eye exam and the overall health of your eyes is also evaluated to catch any problems in their earliest stages. If glaucoma is diagnosed—there are two types, open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle glaucoma—your doctor will explain the details of your condition, discuss the nature of any vision loss, and educate you about the treatment options that may be most suitable for your needs. Treatment typically starts with medicinal eye drops, which aim to reduce eye pressure and protect the optic nerve via different mechanisms. For more advanced glaucoma, or for patients who are not achieving adequate improvement with eye drops, additional treatments may be discussed, such as argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP), iStent^® implants, Ahmed^® tube shunt surgery, and trabeculectomy. All of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at our private surgical facility.

If you’ve experienced rapid vision loss, have recently been diagnosed with glaucoma, or have a family history of glaucoma, we welcome you to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our experienced and highly trained ophthalmologists. Our thorough and effective approach to vision care at Riverside EyeCare Professionals is the reason so many individuals in the Redding area choose our team for treatment. Please contact our office to make an appointment or to ask any questions you may have.