Glaucoma Specialist
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Longhorn Eye Care
Adam Hart, M.D.
Ophthalmologist located in Pflugerville, TX
Glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, affecting some 3 million people. At Longhorn Eye Care in Pflugerville, Texas, Dr. Adam Hart offers effective diagnostic and treatment options to protect your eye health and prevent glaucoma from progressing. To protect your eyesight, schedule an appointment online or by phone to learn more about your treatment options for glaucoma.
Glaucoma Q & A
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that comes from increased pressure on your optic nerve. This nerve is responsible for transmitting the images you see to your brain.
Pressure builds in the eye due to poor drainage of fluids. In a healthy eye, nourishing fluid travels around the eye and drains through a spongy meshwork. When this meshwork clogs or is damaged, fluid can’t leave as it should and gradually presses on the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is a progressive condition. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in irreversible eye damage.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma doesn’t exhibit any symptoms until pressure builds up high enough to start damaging your optic nerve and blurring your vision.
Nearly half of the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it. For this reason, Dr. Hart recommends regular eye exams to allow him to check the pressure in your eye and identify signs of glaucoma as early as possible.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Dr. Hart conducts a comprehensive eye exam that includes measurements of your eye pressure and an evaluation of the health of your optic nerve.
During your appointment, Dr. Hart administers two sets of eyedrops, one to dilate your eyes and one to numb them. The dilation allows him to easily view the inner structure of your eyes, and the numbing keeps you comfortable during eye pressure testing for glaucoma.
If Dr. Hart detects damage to your optic nerve, he customizes a treatment plan to address your condition and prevent progressive vision loss.
What treatment options are available for glaucoma?
Depending on the severity of your optic nerve damage and the level of pressure in your eye, Dr. Hart can recommend treatments that include prescription eyedrops or oral medications to reduce the pressure.
Laser surgery may be a treatment option if you don’t respond to medications and drops. The laser energy can open blocked areas of meshwork to promote proper fluid drainage.
To learn more about glaucoma and to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Hart, use the online booking feature or call the office directly.
