Glaucoma

Understanding Glaucoma: “The Silent Thief of Sight”

Glaucoma is referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it typically progresses slowly without early pain or sudden changes in vision. Most forms of glaucoma involve a buildup of fluid pressure inside the front portion of the eye (intraocular pressure), which gradually harms the optic nerve—the vital bridge sending visual signals from your eyes to your brain.

Common Types of Glaucoma

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form, occurring when the eye’s drainage canals slowly clog over time, leading to gradual pressure increase and painless peripheral vision loss.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A rarer, sudden blockage of drainage pathways that causes a rapid rise in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs even though intraocular pressure remains within the normal statistical range.
• Secondary Glaucoma: Caused by underlying medical conditions, trauma, long-term medication use, or advanced diabetes.

Comprehensive Glaucoma Screenings at Our OKC Clinic

Because lost vision from optic nerve damage cannot be restored, regular screenings with Dr. Russell D. Crain are the single most effective way to safeguard your vision. During your assessment, Dr. Crain evaluates multiple factors:

1. Tonometry: Measuring internal eye pressure accurately and comfortably.
2. Ophthalmoscopy & Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Examining the shape, color, and microscopic fiber layers of the optic nerve.
3. Visual Field Testing: Checking your full peripheral (side) field of vision for subtle dark spots or blind zones.
4. Gonioscopy: Assessing the drainage angle where the iris meets the cornea.
5. Pachymetry: Measuring corneal thickness to properly contextualize your eye pressure readings.

Treatment & Management Options

While glaucoma cannot be permanently cured, proactive management effectively controls intraocular pressure to preserve remaining vision. Based on your specific diagnosis and lifestyle, Dr. Crain will customize a targeted treatment protocol:

• Medicated Eye Drops: Prescription drops to either decrease fluid production inside the eye or improve drainage outflow.
• Oral Medications: Systemic prescriptions used to support fluid pressure reduction when eye drops alone aren’t sufficient.
• Laser Therapy & Surgical Referrals: Minimally invasive procedures (such as selective laser trabeculoplasty) or advanced surgical solutions to improve drainage if pressure remains difficult to stabilize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is most at risk for developing glaucoma?

Risk factors include being over age 60, having a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, extreme nearsightedness/farsightedness, or long-term steroid use.

Can vision lost from glaucoma be recovered?

No, vision loss caused by optic nerve damage is irreversible. However, consistent treatment and routine follow-ups with Dr. Crain can successfully halt or slow further progression.

What are the warning signs of an acute glaucoma attack?

While chronic open-angle glaucoma has no early warning signs, an acute angle-closure attack causes severe eye pain, nausea, sudden blurry vision, rainbow halos around lights, and red eyes. Seek emergency medical care immediately if these symptoms occur.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Assessment Today

Protect your vision with expert, personalized care. Book your screening with Dr. Crain today to stay ahead of glaucoma.

Russell D. Crain, MD

Address: 11011 Hefner Pointe Dr Ste B, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Phone: (405) 749-9399