Advanced Treatment

Drs. Vaher and Marcussen are certified for the treatment of many eye disorders such as glaucoma, minor eye injuries, corneal abrasions, foreign bodies, and inflammations in and around the eyes. The doctors continually maintain their knowledge by attending continuing education courses annually.

We work closely with local professionals and specialists from major health centers. We provide pre and post surgical care in our office for anything from cataract surgery to laser surgery. We offer a free refractive surgery consulation for those who are interested.
Did you know that 50% of all the blindness that occurs in the United States is preventable if everyone had a complete eye health exam annually?

According to a recent survey, men and women are more likely to get their car serviced than have their eyes checked!

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that often occurs with no symptoms. In the beginning there is typically no significant noticeable vision loss and no pain. It involves the elevation of the internal pressure in your eyes. This pressure rises to a point that damages the optic nerve which carries information to your brain. Glaucome is one of the leading causes of blindness, and it does have a hereditary predispostion.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease involving elevated internal eye pressure. The exact cause is not always known. Increasing pressure is due to a build up of fluid, called aqueous, in your eyes. In a normal healthy eye, the fluid or aqueous is produced and drained constantly, similar to a sink with an open drain and water running. With glaucoma, the eye continues to make fluid but the eye's drain is closed so there is a build up of fluid inside the eye. We are not sure what causes the drain to become clogged or blocked; however, there are effective treatments for this condition when diagnosed early. Elevated pressure damages the optic nerve, slowly killing individual nerve fibers that carry messages to the brain. Once these fibers or neurons die, vision cannot be corrected or regained.
There are also other conditions which cause elevated eye pressure such as injuries, infections, and tumors.

Who gets Glaucoma?

Glaucoma typically affects individuals over 40 and there is some genetic component. It is estimated that well over 2 million people have glaucoma and many are not diagnosed or treated. There are risk factors associated with glaucoma such as: diabetes, hypertension, family history, age over 40, steroid use, nearsightedness, and race. African Americans are the highest risk population for glaucoma. Regular optometric examinations, which includes glaucoma testing and a dilated evaluation, are particularly important preventive eye care for those over age 35.

Will I go blind from Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can cause blindness and is one of the leading causes of blindness. If diagnosed at an early stage, gluacoma can,in most cases, be well controlled and little or no additional vision loss typically occurs. However, if left untreated or poorly controlled, side vision and central vision will be destroyed which can in fact lead to blindness.

How can I tell if I have Glaucoma?

The most common type of glaucoma is called primary open angle glaucoma which develops gradually and painlessly. There are no early warning signs and it can slowly destroy your peripheral vision without you even recognizing the changes. Often people assume that if they see well they have no eye problems. Unfortuanately, due to this misconception glaucoma is often diagnosed after some vision loss has occurred.

How is Glaucoma detected?

A comprehensive optometric examination includes tests for glaucoma. Your eye care physician can perform three separate tests for glaucoma including tonometry (internal eye pressure measurement), visual field testing, and a internal eye evaluation through dilated pupils. It is also a good idea to have a photograph taken of the back of your eye to be used for comparison from year to year.

How is Glaucoma treated?

In most cases glaucoma is effectively treated with prescription eye drops to lower the internal eye pressure. In some cases, aggressive treatment is needed which may involve surgery. It is important to realize that there is no cure for glaucoma;however, with appropriate treatment the progression can be halted. The National Society to Prevent Blindness recomends the best defense against needless loss of sight is to have an eye exam including dilation every year.

Will my vision be restored after treatment?

Unfortunately, any loss of vision as a result of glaucoma is usually permanent and cannot be restored. This is why regular preventive eye examinations are so important. Vision loss can be prevented by early diagnosis.

At Complete Eye Care, Drs. Vaher and Marcusen are totally committed to the health of our patients' eyes. That is why we routinely perform four different tests for Glaucoma, including pressure evaluation, visual fields, dilated examinations, and retinal photographs. We get to know our patients eyes and look for small changes in your eye health before there is vision loss. If you have any questions regarding Glaucoma or any other eye disease please contact our office.