Glaucoma Specialist in Blandon, PA

When you live or work in Blandon, PA, early detection and treatment of glaucoma by a specialist at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania are the best methods of preventing further vision impairment and even blindness.

Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania is the leading ophthalmology practice in Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery and Schuylkill counties. Our board certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologists have vast experience in all current glaucoma treatments and surgical procedures and have helped thousands of people minimize the irreversible effects of the disease.

Our glaucoma specialists include Mehul H. Negarsheth, MD, who completed his glaucoma fellowship at Tufts New England Eye Center and Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, and Abhishek K. Nemani, MD, who completed his glaucoma fellowship at the prestigious Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania where he was awarded “Fellow of the Year.”

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that leads to the damage of the optic nerve. It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form. It occurs when the open drainage angle of the eye becomes clogged over time and pressure inside the eye builds. This happens gradually and painlessly, so damage to the optic nerve occurs before you are aware of any problem.

Closed-angle glaucoma is a rarer form of glaucoma that occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes completely blocked. The symptoms include sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea or vomiting, sudden blurred vision, and/or sudden loss of vision in one eye. You should seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or at your ophthalmologist’s office if you experience these symptoms.

High-risk groups for glaucoma include people over age 60, family members of people with glaucoma, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted. If diagnosed and treated early, however, vision loss can be prevented.

Do You Have Symptoms of Glaucoma?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be showing signs of glaucoma:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Sudden blurred or hazy vision
• Pain in or behind the eyeball
• Headache with nausea or vomiting
• Visual disturbances with halos or rainbows around lights

Glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight” because many patients don’t know they have it until significant vision has been permanently lost. A dilated eye exam is the best and most effective way to detect the disease.

How Do We Treat Glaucoma?

If glaucoma is detected early, there are many treatment options that can minimize loss of vision before the disease becomes too advanced.

Treatments include eye drops, pills, laser surgery, traditional surgery or a combination of these methods. Glaucoma surgery can be used to treat open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. While conventional surgery is often the first choice for closed-angle glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma is typically treated first with medication or laser surgery.

Each patient’s circumstances are different – including lifestyle, disease progression, age, ethnicity, and other health conditions. You and your doctor will need to work as a team in the battle against glaucoma to find the treatment that is most appropriate for your situation.

If you are in the Blandon, PA area and need information about glaucoma diagnosis, treatment, or surgery, contact Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania for an evaluation with a glaucoma specialist.