Dr. Sam Boles, an Annapolis eye doctor, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of glaucoma.
The second leading cause of blindness worldwide, glaucoma can be managed and permanent vision loss prevented with early detection and regular treatment. So it helps to know what to look for. What many people do not realize about glaucoma is that it is a term used to describe several different conditions. Over the past few months, we have taken a closer look at several unique forms of glaucoma, including Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Angle Closure Glaucoma, Normal Tension Glaucoma, Congenital Glaucoma, Exfoliative Glaucoma, Neovascular Glaucoma, Pigmentary Glaucoma, and Traumatic Glaucoma. This week, we are going to examine Uveitic Glaucoma, a type of Secondary Glaucoma.
About Uveitic Glaucoma
Uveitis is a, inflammatory condition of the middle layer of the eye, the uvea, which provides most of the blood supply to the retina. As a result of the inflammatory process, or the medication (steroids) used to treat it, increased eye pressure can occur.
- Blurred vision
- Dark, floating spots in the vision
- Eye pain
- Redness of the eye
- Sensitivity to light
Uveitis is the third-leading cause of blindness in developed countries, behind Cataracts (#1) Glaucoma (#2). With proper treatment, most cases of Uveitis are resolved in a few days or, more commonly, a few weeks. Call your eye doctor immediately if you are suffering from blurry vision or any of the other previously mentioned symptoms. Eye pain and reduced vision are serious symptoms that require prompt medical attention from you optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Glaucoma is one of the many potentially devastating complications of uveitis (10-20% of all cases), which is one reason early diagnosis and treatment are so important. The prevalence of uveitic glaucoma jumps to 46% in cases of chronic uveitis.
Uveitic Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis
Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles of the Anne Arundel Eye Center in Annapolis specializes in the treatment of both glaucoma and cataracts and has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Dr. Boles will be able to walk you through your many treatment options, which include medication, surgical treatment, and laser therapy.
In order to control the intraocular inflammation and elevated IOP, medication – such as topical, periocular, intravitreal or systemic corticosteroids, and/ or topical and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents – may be used. In cases where corticosteroids are ineffective (or exacerbate the underlying glaucoma), immunomodulatory medications can be used.
If medication alone does not work, surgical treatment and/or laser therapy may be needed.
If you have any questions about Uveitic Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, OD, 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:
Secondary Glaucoma, Glaucoma Research Foundation
Uveitic Glaucoma: Pathophysiology and Management, American Academy of Ophthalmology