Protect Your Vision from Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma often has no early symptoms, making regular eye exams essential for early detection and management. At Snake River Eye Associates in Shelley, ID, we provide advanced glaucoma screenings, diagnosis, and treatment to help protect your vision.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP). If untreated, glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss and eventually blindness.
Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, including:
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Open-Angle Glaucoma – The most common form, where fluid drains too slowly, increasing eye pressure over time.
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Angle-Closure Glaucoma – A sudden blockage of fluid drainage, causing rapid vision loss and requiring emergency treatment.
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Normal-Tension Glaucoma – Optic nerve damage occurs without high eye pressure, requiring specialized monitoring.
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Congenital Glaucoma – A rare form in infants due to abnormal eye development.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
In the early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may notice:
⚠️ Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
⚠️ Blurred vision or difficulty seeing in low light
⚠️ Halos around lights
⚠️ Eye pain, redness, or headaches (in angle-closure glaucoma)
⚠️ Sudden vision loss (in advanced stages)
Glaucoma Testing & Diagnosis
At Snake River Eye Associates, we use state-of-the-art technology to detect glaucoma before symptoms appear. Our glaucoma screening includes:
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Tonometry – Measures eye pressure (IOP).
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OCT Imaging – High-resolution scans of the optic nerve for early signs of damage.
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Visual Field Test – Evaluates peripheral vision loss.
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Gonioscopy – Examines the eye’s drainage system to detect blockages.
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Pachymetry – Measures corneal thickness, a risk factor for glaucoma.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
While glaucoma has no cure, early treatment can slow progression and preserve vision. Our customized treatment plans include:
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Prescription Eye Drops – Reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage or decreasing production.
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Laser Therapy (SLT, ALT, or Iridotomy) – Minimally invasive procedures to enhance fluid outflow.
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Glaucoma Surgery – In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to prevent vision loss.
Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including:
✔️ Age 40+
✔️ Family history of glaucoma
✔️ High intraocular pressure (IOP)
✔️ Diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease
✔️ Extreme nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia)
✔️ History of eye injuries or surgeries
Schedule a Glaucoma Screening in Shelley, ID Today!
Early detection is key to protecting your vision from glaucoma. At Snake River Eye Associates, we provide comprehensive glaucoma screenings and advanced treatment options to help preserve your eye health.
📅 Book Your Glaucoma Exam Today!