The optic nerve consists of over one million nerve fibers that connect the brain and retina. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. The increased pressure in the eye cause the capillaries to collapse, resulting in damage to the retina and subsequent vision loss. The anterior chamber in the front of the eye contains a clear fluid that flows continuously in and out of the eye, nourishing the tissues inside the chamber. If the fluid does not flow out of the eye at the proper rate, pressure inside the eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve and retina. Controlling and maintaining a healthy pressure is essential for healthy vision. Increased pressure is not the only reason people lose vision from glaucoma. Some have normal pressure but still lose vision as they require lower than normal pressure. The pressure needs to be lowered in order to the stop damage. In some cases, blockage causes an increase in pressure. We believe the treatments for visual impairment help patients with glaucoma by restoring normal blood flow to the retina and optic nerve so that the eye can begin to heal. It will not necessarily reduce pressure so it is essential for patients to continue with their conventional treatment regimen for maintaining normal pressure in the eye. The conventional treatment consists of prescription eye drops or oral medication to control pressure.

Glaucoma patients if you are to receive a visual field scan, do not use drops that morning until after the scan.  Call us if you have questions.