Glaucoma Treatment

New Glaucoma Treatment Technology on the Horizon

October 29, 2014 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Tell me if this sounds familiar: “Did I put my glaucoma drops in last night? Oh no…I forgot!” Every glaucoma patient has gone through this experience. It is easy to forget to use your drops from time to time. After all, you put them in every day. Still, it is important to take your drops each and every day in order for glaucoma treatment to be effective. Fortunately, there may soon be a solution for your forgetfulness.

New Glaucoma Treatment Technology on the Horizon

The New Horizons Forum, presented by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, highlighted several new glaucoma treatment technologies that may soon be available to the public. These technologies included:

A polymer contact lens that sits under the eyelid and delivers medication over several months.
Polymer-based intraocular delivery devices.
Implantable extended-release devices that utilize microparticles and nanoparticles.
Tear duct plugs that would release medication.
Delivery devices or technology to allow a constant delivery of medication over months or years.

Wouldn’t it be great if you never had to worry about using eye drops again? While that day might not be here just yet, technological advances may soon make those dreams a reality. For now, however, your best course of treatment remains daily eye drops and regular appointments with your ophthalmologist. When was your Last Eye Exam?

Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to managing glaucoma, as it must be treated over the course of one’s life, and high IOP must be managed every day. Treatment successfully preserves vision 95% of the time or more, especially when the condition is caught early.

The Anne Arundel Eye Center is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles and his staff have helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. They can help you too.

If you have any questions about 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, 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:

Alternative Drug Delivery Systems for Glaucoma, Glaucoma Research Foundation

Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis

July 24, 2014 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Over the past several months, we have outlined the various different types of Glaucoma, from Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (the most common form of glaucoma) to Irido Corneal Endothelial Syndrome (a rare form of glaucoma) and everything in between. No matter which form of glaucoma you may develop, one thing is for certain; you need help and you need it fast. Early detection and treatment are your best chances to preserve vision, which is why it is so important to schedule regular eye exams.

Currently more than 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in this country. In fact, the eye disease accounts for 9-12% of all cases of blindness in the U.S., more than 120,000 people. Scarier is the fact that only half of those with glaucoma know they have it, because glaucoma presents no symptoms. Fortunately, with early detection and treatment (medication, surgery, or a combination of the two) it is usually possible to slow or completely halt vision loss.

When was your last eye exam? The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that adults, ages 18-60, have their eyes examined every two years, while adults older than 60 have their eyes examined annually.

Click Here to learn about common glaucoma tests.

Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases. Dr. Boles and the eye care specialists at AAEC have helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. They can help you too.

“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated when I see a doctor,” said Dr. Boles.

Dr. Boles is also passionate about further educating patients and their families about the eye diseases for which they are afflicted. This is just one of the reasons we maintain this weekly blog to help educate the general public.

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

Sources:

Glaucoma Directory, WebMD

What is Exfoliative Glaucoma?

June 21, 2013 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

What is Exfoliative Glaucoma?

Also known as pseudoexfoliation, Exfoliative Glaucoma is a type of open-angle glaucoma.

What Causes Exfoliative Glaucoma?

Exfoliative glaucoma is caused by an abnormal accumulation of protein in the eye’s drainage system. The eye disease develops in approximately 50% of eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (abbreviated as either PXF of PXE), which is commonly seen in older individuals and in certain racial groups, such as people from Russia, the Nordic countries, Greeks, Mediterranean populations, Indians, and more.. PXF is when you have the finding of exfoliation on the ledge without glaucoma damage. It is a warning sign of glaucoma (to learn more, check out our previous blog, “What is a Glaucoma Suspect”).

How is Exfoliative Glaucoma different from Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)?

POAG affects around one percent of all Americans (mainly those individuals age 50 or older), making it the most common form of glaucoma. And because this form of glaucoma develops slowly, it rarely ever presents any symptoms and often goes undetected without regular screenings. Unlike POAG, exfoliative glaucoma shows higher intraocular eye pressure (IOP), faster rates of progression, poor response to medical therapy, and increased need for surgical intervention.

How is Exfoliative Glaucoma Diagnosed?

The eye disease often requires a dilated eye exam to diagnose. Any individual over the age of 40 with a family history of exfoliative glaucoma or Northern European extraction should be most cautious, seeking biyearly eye exams.

How is Exfoliative Glaucoma Treated?

As we have already said, most patients show poor response to medical therapy, however, they tend to respond well to treatment by laser trabeculoplasty and most types of glaucoma surgery.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. If left untreated, glaucoma can and does lead to total blindness. Early detection and treatment, meanwhile, can save your sight. An ophthalmologist can usually detect those individuals who are at risk for glaucoma before nerve damage occurs.

Anne Arundel Eye Center

Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers complete ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. If you have any questions about our blog, “What is Exfoliative Glaucoma?” please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at the Anne Arundel Eye Center 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.

Source:

Exfoliative Glaucoma Glaucoma Research Foundation

Making the Most of Glaucoma Treatment: Tips from an Annapolis Eye Doctor

March 5, 2013 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

A glaucoma diagnosis is not the end of the world. With early detection and treatment, vision loss can be slowed and even stopped. However, it is up to you to make the most of your glaucoma treatment. But how?

Work with your Doctor: The best way to make the most of your glaucoma treatment is to first understand your condition and treatment options. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Your eye doctor will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. There are several types of glaucoma and more than a few treatment options. What type of glaucoma do you have and what treatment has your doctor prescribed. Finally, stay in touch with your eye doctor and notify him/her of any changes in your health.
Friends and Family: One of the most overlooked aspects of your glaucoma treatment is your friends and family, your support system. Glaucoma can be difficult to deal with. It is important to have a good support system to help you deal with your diagnosis and ensure you stick to your glaucoma treatment regimen.
Glaucoma Medication: Make sure you take your medication as prescribed. If you need to, do not hesitate to ask your eye doctor for written instructions. Also, be sure to inform your doctor of any other medications you are on. And again, don’t be afraid to ask questions: How will I know if my treatment is working? How long will the treatment last? How often will I need checkups?

With our current treatment options – and especially with good careful follow-up – it is unusual to lose vision from glaucoma. With today’s modern treatment, glaucoma does not have to be a scary, sight threatening disorder.

Anne Arundel Eye Center: Your Annapolis Eye Doctor, specializing in Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment

At the Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, Dr. Samuel Boles and his staff have helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Dr. Boles and the caring and knowledgeable professionals at AAEC are also passionate about educating patients and their families regarding their glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.

Anne Arundel Eyes Center’s state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

To learn more about the Glaucoma Treatment, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

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

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Source:

Getting the Most Out of Your Treatment Glaucoma Research Foundation