Glaucoma Center

Glaucoma Treatment at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. Over 3 million Americans (65 million people worldwide) are affected by glaucoma. Half of those with glaucoma are not aware of it. Glaucoma has been called the “silent thief of sight” because there are no warning signs until significant nerve damage and vision loss has occurred.

As the optic nerve degenerates, blind spots develop in the peripheral (side) vision. Because the blind spots are usually in the outer visual field, they go unnoticed. The most common cause of nerve damage is high intraocular pressure (eye pressure). Once the nerve is damaged, it cannot be replaced or repaired. With early detection and proper treatment, total blindness from glaucoma is uncommon.

Who Is At Risk For Glaucoma?

Everyone has some risk of glaucoma. It is important for everyone to have routine eye exams to look for the early signs of glaucoma. The risk for glaucoma is increased with these factors:

What Causes Glaucoma?

There are many causes of glaucoma, some we understand and some we do not. The most common cause is high intraocular pressure. The eye is full of fluid called the aqueous humor. The eye is constantly making and draining this fluid. Fluid is drained out of the eye through a filter, called the trabecular meshwork. If the filter (meshwork) in the eye is clogged, fluid cannot drain properly and the eye pressure rises. As the eye pressure rises, it pushes on the optic nerve and can cause the nerve to be damaged.

There are 2 main types of glaucoma that are named for the different ways fluid outflow is reduced:

  • Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma in the United States, Europe, and Africa. In open-angle glaucoma, the meshwork appears normal but does not allow fluid to pass through adequately.
  • Closed-Angle Glaucoma is more common in Asia than in the United States. In closed-angle glaucoma, the iris blocks the meshwork decreasing the outflow of fluid from the eye. This can rapidly increase eye pressure causing pain and immediate loss of vision. This can also happen slowly without pain and casuse a gradual loss of vision.

Glaucoma: Symptoms & Treatment

Symptoms:

Unfortunately, most glaucoma cases has no noticeable early symptoms. Usually, the eye pressure is not high enough to “feel” unless it is very high. Vision loss usually takes years to progress to the point someone can notice the blind spots. Symptoms of glaucoma can include blurring of vision, halos around lights and a feeling of pressure or pain around the eye. This usually occurs from wide fluctuations in eye pressure or a rapid rise in eye pressure.

Treating Glaucoma

Laser Treatment for Glaucoma

Eye Drops for Glaucoma

Surgical Treatment for Glaucoma

Eye Center of Northern Colorado Building

Why Choose us for Glaucoma Treatment?

The doctors at The Eye Center of Northern Colorado are experienced in the treatment of all stages of glaucoma. We use the most advanced technology available to detect and diagnose glaucoma and the latest medications and surgical techniques to preserve your vision. We are available for consultation, second opinions, and management of your glaucoma.

  • Dr. Kent Bashford and Dr. Josh Apple are our fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists.
  • Their experience allows them to treat even the most severe cases of glaucoma.
  • Our doctors are also involved in multiple nationwide FDA clinical studies on the management of intraocular pressure.

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Meet Our Doctors

Ophthalmologists at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado are fellowship-trained and offer care in many areas of specialty, medical, and surgical care.

Patient Testimonials

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If you have a baby with eye problems, this is the place to go and Dr. Patrick Arnold is the man to see. Our nine-month-old son has exotropia and today he had the surgery to help fix it. Everything went as perfectly as any parent sending their baby into surgery could possibly hope for. I’m mostly writing this review as a thank you to the nurses we worked with when we were in there.
Ashlie S.
Pediatrics Eye Care
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I do a lot of outdoor activities in Colorado and with the dry air, my contact lenses were almost unbearable at times. That led me to looking in having LASIK surgery. The process was smooth and convenient. Now I can enjoy my activities with clear vision and pain free.
Dr. David Sehr
LASIK Surgery
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Dr. Arnold has been our saving grace with our son. We were referred to him by our eye doctor in Cheyenne, WY when we could get to the bottom of why my son’s eye wasn’t healing from what we thought were scratches. He has taken such great care of our son. He is so patient and makes the young patients and their parents feel as ease. So thankful for him.
Jason R.
Pediatrics Eye Care
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As a radiologist, my career depends on my vision. I had always wanted to rid myself of my glasses but was hesitant to take the plunge. After several of my partners had the procedure done and reported great results, I had my LASIK done with Dr. Robinson. After wearing glasses for 35 years, it is wonderful to be able to see the world without them.
Bruce Berkowitz, MD
LASIK Surgery
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