Preserve your vision with glaucoma surgery in Bend, OR at OnSight Eye Center. This procedure effectively treats elevated eye pressure, a key factor in preventing optic nerve damage and vision loss. Our team provides advanced surgical options to manage glaucoma, safeguard your sight and enhance your quality of life.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye, leading to gradual vision loss and, if left untreated, blindness. Glaucoma typically develops slowly and may not show symptoms in the early stages, making regular eye exams essential for early detection. While there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and proper management can significantly slow its progression and preserve your vision.
Common Symptoms of Glaucoma:
- No noticeable symptoms (in early glaucoma)
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Severe eye pain, especially with acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Halos around lights
- Redness in the eye
- Nausea or vomiting, often accompanied by severe eye pain
- Sudden vision loss (in acute cases)
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye, which occurs when the fluid known as aqueous humor doesn’t drain properly. Normally, this fluid flows out of the eye through a drainage angle. When this drainage is impaired, fluid builds up, increasing pressure inside the eye.
Elevated IOP can damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. Other factors, such as genetics, age, and certain medical conditions, can also contribute to the development of glaucoma.
Possible Consequences of Untreated Glaucoma:
- Permanent vision loss
- Complete blindness in severe cases
- Reduced quality of life due to impaired vision
- Difficulty performing daily tasks, such as reading or driving
- Increased risk of falls and accidents due to vision impairment
- Potential development of chronic eye pain
- Increased dependency on others for daily activities
To schedule a personalized consultation with our board-certified ophthalmologist in Oregon call or message us today.
Preserve Your Vision With Glaucoma Surgery in Bend, OR
Glaucoma surgery is a specialized procedure that reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevents further damage to the optic nerve, thereby preserving your vision. The procedure typically involves creating a new drainage pathway for the eye’s fluid or improving the existing one, effectively lowering IOP. By addressing the root cause of glaucoma, surgery helps protect your remaining vision, maintaining your quality of life and independence.
Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery:
- Effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Prevents further damage to the optic nerve
- Reduces the risk of vision loss or blindness
- Provides a long-term solution when medications are insufficient
- Minimizes dependence on daily eye drops or other treatments
- Improves quality of life by preserving remaining vision
- Allows for quicker recovery compared to untreated progression
- Reduces the frequency of future medical interventions
How is Glaucoma Surgery in Oregon Done?
Dr. Desmond uses advanced surgical techniques tailored to your specific needs at our surgery center in Bend, OR. Whether you require a traditional approach or a minimally invasive option, the goal is to create a more effective drainage system for the eye’s fluid, thereby reducing IOP and preserving your vision. Here’s an overview of glaucoma surgery.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS includes a variety of techniques that lower eye pressure with less disruption to your eye than traditional surgeries. During MIGS, Dr. Desmond uses tiny instruments or stents to improve your eye’s natural fluid drainage with small incisions. MIGS is ideal for people with mild to moderate glaucoma and can often be done at the same time as cataract surgery.
What Results Can Be Expected From Glaucoma Surgery?
After glaucoma surgery, you can expect a gradual reduction in eye pressure, typically noticeable within a few weeks. This decrease helps protect your optic nerve and preserve your vision. While your sight may not improve immediately, the surgery’s primary goal is to prevent further vision loss. Dr. Desmond will closely monitor your progress, and most patients experience a significant, long-lasting reduction in eye pressure. Depending on the type of surgery, you may also need to continue using eye drops or other treatments.
Why Choose OnSight Eye Center For Glaucoma Surgery in Bend?
OnSight Eye Center is Central Oregon’s premier destination for expert glaucoma care and advanced eye surgery. Led by Dr. Brian Desmond, a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 20 years of experience, our surgery center offers personalized treatment plans in a comfortable, spa-like environment. We specialize in state-of-the-art surgical techniques, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your eye health. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options for glaucoma surgery in Bend, OR.