Maintenance of normal pressure within the eye depends on a delicate balance between production and escape of internal eye uid (aqueous humor). In glaucoma, the fluid drains too slowly or is completely blocked. As the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises to dangerous levels causing pain as well as retina and optic nerve damage.
Causes of aqueous humor blockage include:
At first, there are no symptoms. As the disease progresses, vision loss and pain occurs.
During your first appointment, a complete ophthalmic examination will be performed to assess the level of visual impairment and stage of glaucoma. Intraocular pressures will be taken and medical and surgical management will be discussed in detail.
Glaucoma cannot be cured; but it can be controlled if treated promptly. The common forms of treatment include:
Glaucoma surgery involves the destruction of the ciliary processes with a strong beam of light using an endoscopic tool in an attempt to reduce the uid production in the eye. The bene ts of this procedure include direct visualization of the ciliary body, eliminating destruction of surrounding tissues. We currently have an 85% success rate of controlling intraocular pressure for at least one year.
Patients are hospitalized for at least three days after surgery for close postoperative monitoring of eye pressures. Dogs are sent home with an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from rubbing the eye. At home, care involves applying eye drops several times daily for a few weeks, then slowly decreasing the frequency of medications over time. Some cases may also require oral medications. Normal activities can resume after two weeks.
Complications of the surgery include anesthetic death, uncontrolled glaucoma despite surgery, hyphema (blood in the eye), retinal detachment, permanent corneal edema, in ammation, and/or infection. Your doctor will discuss any possible complications with you before and after surgery.
Follow up appointments are extremely important to help maintain sight and controlled intraocular pressures. Frequency of medications will then be determined and evaluations every 3 months will be recommended for life.