Normal Tension Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis

Dr. Sam Boles, an Annapolis eye doctor, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of glaucoma.

Over the past several weeks, we have examined two different types of glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. So far we have taken a look at Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Angle Closure Glaucoma. Over the next several weeks, we will take a closer look at two additional types of glaucoma – Normal Tension Glaucoma and Secondary Glaucoma – giving you a better understanding of each.

Normal Tension Glaucoma

While most forms of glaucoma are characterized by a rise in intraocular eye pressure (IOP), normal tension glaucoma is not. This form of glaucoma, also known as low-tension or normal-pressure glaucoma, involves damage to the optic nerve without eye pressure exceeding 24 mm Hg. The normal range is 10-21 mm Hg.

1. Family history of normal tension glaucoma
2. Japanese ancestry
3. History of systemic heart disease
4. Bradycardia (excessively low heart rate)
5. Low blood pressure (systemic hypotension)

Even if you do not fall into one of the above five categories, it is important to have your eyes examined annually. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to protecting your vision from glaucoma damage.

Normal Tension Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis

The Anne Arundel Eye Center, led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. AAEC provides complete medical eye exams as well as diagnostic surgical eye care.

Normal tension glaucoma is diagnosed by checking the optic nerve for signs of damage. This is done in several ways, including:

1. Ophthalmoscopy: An ophthalmoscope allows your eye doctor to look through the pupil and examine the shape and color of the optic nerve. There are specialized optic nerve imaging devices that can also help the doctor examine the optic nerve.
2. Visual Field Test: A visual field test is a subjective measure of peripheral vision to help detect or track vision loss. This test is used by your eye doctor – ophthalmologist or optometrist – in conjunction with other measures to diagnose and monitor for glaucoma. Click Here to learn more about the visual field test.

If you are found to have normal tension glaucoma, Dr. Boles will explain your treatment options.

If you have any questions about Normal Tension Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Sources:

Normal Tension Glaucoma Glaucoma Research Foundation