Eyes on Brickell: Best Glaucoma Specialist

At Eye on Brickell, our team of highly skilled doctors, led by the renowned Dr. Antoine Copty, are committed to providing comprehensive care for all eye conditions, including glaucoma. Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Our team utilizes state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and manage glaucoma, including visual field machines, retinal cameras, and optical coherence tomography machines. An OCT is the gold standard in evaluating the retina. It uses a low-powered laser to create pictures of the layers of your retina and optic nerve. The cross-sectional images are three-dimensional, color-coded, and can give the doctor invaluable information on your optic nerve and nerve fiber layer. Retinal cameras provide a 2D global image of your retina and optic nerve. At Eyes on Brickell, we believe in combining the use of multiple detections for conducting glaucoma eye exam in Miami. It is essential to preserve vision and quality of life for our patients.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye that sends visual information to the brain. The damage to the optic nerve is often caused by a buildup of fluid pressure inside the eye, which is known as intraocular pressure (IOP).

Normal Eye

Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma but the two most common are:

Open-Angle Glaucoma
Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form and occurs gradually over time, often without symptoms until vision loss has occurred.

Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, is less common but can develop rapidly and is usually associated with sudden symptoms like eye pain, headaches, and vision problems.

In both types, the damage to the optic nerve can cause permanent vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Unfortunately, the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, so early detection and treatment are essential for preserving vision.

Glaucoma Exam and Procedure

Glaucoma exams are a series of tests performed to diagnose and monitor the condition. The tests evaluate the intraocular pressure, optic nerve health, and visual field.

During a glaucoma eye exam, an optom or ophthalmologist will first measure the intraocular pressure using a tonometer. This test involves numbing the eye with eye drops and then gently pressing a small device against the cornea to measure the pressure inside the eye.

Next, one of the best glaucoma doctors will examine the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. They may use a special magnifying lens and a bright light to evaluate the color, shape, and size of the optic nerve. They may also take photographs or use imaging technology to get a closer look at the optic nerve.

Finally, the glaucoma eye specialist will test the patient’s visual field, which measures the range and sensitivity of their peripheral vision. This test is usually performed using a specialized machine called a perimeter. The patient sits in front of the machine and responds to visual stimuli presented at different points in their field of vision.

Finally, the doctor will test the patient’s visual field, which measures the range and sensitivity of their peripheral vision. This test is usually performed using a specialized machine called a perimeter. The patient sits in front of the machine and responds to visual stimuli presented at different points in their field of vision.

What are the Benefits?

This exam is essential for detecting and monitoring glaucoma, which can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Regular exams can catch the condition early, allowing for prompt treatment to prevent or slow down vision loss.

Moreover, the tests can also help to rule out other eye conditions, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, which may have similar symptoms to glaucoma.

Additionally, regular exams may help to identify the risk factors such as family history, high eye pressure, and certain medical conditions. This information can help the patient and doctor take steps to prevent or manage the condition before it progresses.

What are the Symptoms?

In the early stages, it may not produce any noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, however, the following symptoms may occur:

Loss of peripheral vision
Tunnel vision
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Eye pain
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to see an eye doctor promptly, as early detection and treatment can help to preserve vision.

When would a Glaucoma Exam be Needed?

This exam is recommended for individuals over the age of 40, particularly those with a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, or other risk factors. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, may also be at an increased risk of developing glaucoma and should have regular eye exams. Additionally, individuals who experience any symptoms of glaucoma, such as loss of peripheral vision or halos around lights, should seek prompt medical attention and a glaucoma exam.

What's the Treatment for Glaucoma?

The treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. In general, the goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

Eye drops are the most common first-line treatment for it. These medications work by either decreasing the production of fluid in the eye or increasing its drainage. In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed.

If eye drops and oral medications are ineffective, surgery may be necessary to lower intraocular pressure. One common surgical procedure is trabeculectomy, which involves creating a new drainage channel in the eye to relieve pressure.

Laser therapy may also be used for treatment. This type of treatment includes selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What should I expect during a glaucoma eye exam?

During a the examination, your eye doctor will measure your intraocular pressure, examine your optic nerve, and test your visual field. The exam may take up to an hour, and you may need to have your pupils dilated.

Does a glaucoma exam hurt?

No, a glaucoma exam should not hurt. You may feel slight discomfort when the tonometer is used to measure your intraocular pressure, but it should not be painful.

Can glaucoma be cured?

No, there is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, early detection and treatment can help to slow down or prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision.

What happens if glaucoma is left untreated?

If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. However, if caught early and managed properly, the damage to the optic nerve can be slowed or stopped.

How can I prevent glaucoma?

While there is no surefire way to prevent it, you can reduce your risk by having regular eye exams, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and protecting your eyes from injury.

Can I drive home after a glaucoma eye exam?

If your eyes have been dilated during the exam, you may need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. Dilation can cause temporary blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light.

How often should I have a glaucoma eye exam?

It is recommended that adults have a comprehensive eye exam, including a glaucoma exam, every two years. However, if you have a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors, you may need to have exams more frequently.

Who is at risk for glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but the risk increases with age, family history of glaucoma, certain medical conditions, and long-term use of corticosteroid medications.

Are there any risks or side effects of a glaucoma eye exam?

There are generally no serious risks or side effects. However, you may experience mild discomfort or temporary blurred vision from the dilation drops.

How long does a glaucoma exam take?

A comprehensive glaucoma test can take up to an hour or more, depending on the specific tests that are needed.

What should I bring to my glaucoma eye exam?

Be sure to bring your eyeglasses or contact lenses, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your medical and vision insurance information. You may also want to bring a friend or family member to help you remember any instructions or recommendations from your eye doctor.

Do you have more questions?