Thursday, July 17, 2014

Glaucoma Treatment with Vascular Diseases

Patients with certain vascular diseases may be more difficult to treat if they develop a type of glaucoma called Normal Tension Glaucoma. Normal Tension Glaucoma, although a less common eye disease, still causes optic nerve eye damage as the intraocular pressure inside the eye, although “normal”, still results in the loss of visual field vision or “side vision.” The disease is further complicated if an eye patient also has vascular disease, or if vascular diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular disease or migraines run in their family. This connection was reported by researchers at the World Glaucoma Congress. In fact, these factors related to vascular disease may indicate less effectiveness of eye pressure (IOP) treatment putting patients at greater risk.

The the Collaborative Normal Tension Glaucoma Study is the landmark study for guiding treatment-in which 65% of patients in the untreated group of that study never showed any progression during 7 years of follow-up. But, for those at greater risk due to some other vascular disease we have to be diligent in our examinations and testing to help preserve eye health and vision.

If you or someone you know has vascular disease or is concerned about their risk of glaucoma please call 205-930-0930 or visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or visit www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision to schedule and eye exam and glaucoma evaluation.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205