Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is called the sneak thief of sight. Many people don’t realize they have it. This disease is the second leading cause of blindness. There is no cure for glaucoma. The first sign of glaucoma is usually losing your side or peripheral vision.
How does glaucoma affect my vision?
Aqueous humor is a clear fluid that fills the front of your eye. It is important in helping to keep the eye healthy. Also, the aqueous fluid provides pressure to maintain the shape of the eye, like the air in a balloon. This pressure is called intraocular pressure or IOP.
In a healthy eye, the aqueous fluid flows in and out of the natural drainage system. With most types of glaucoma, this system does not work properly. The fluid inside the eye cannot drain. As a result, the pressure or IOP inside the eye increases. This pressure affects the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss.
How does glaucoma affect my life?
Vision loss can have a very serious impact on quality of life. Many people with glaucoma cannot safely drive a car, see their grandkids in a school play, or go sightseeing during their vacation.
Who can help me?
The first step is to see an eye specialist, called an ophthalmologist. You and your doctor will discuss which treatment is best for your eyes.
Where can I learn more?
Please view our informational videos on Glaucoma below.
Canaloplasty
What is Canaloplasty?
Canaloplasty is an advanced treatment for your glaucoma. It uses breakthrough microcatheter technology to enlarge your eye’s natural drainage system, similar to angioplasty. It is the next step in the evolution of glaucoma surgery and is less invasive than some surgical treatments.
How is Canaloplasty performed?
First, your doctor will make a small incision in the eye. The advanced Canaloplasty microcatheter will be inserted into the eye’s drainage system canal. Using the microcatheter, your doctor will circle the canal and enlarge it, which will help the aqueous fluid drain properly. See the demonstration video below.
