Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a family of eye conditions that harm the optic nerve. They can cause irreversible vision loss without timely treatment.

Don't wait until your vision worsens. Galler Eye Care in Providence, RI, offers diagnostic testing and treatment options for glaucoma.

Board-certified ophthalmologist Ezra L. Galler and his medical team can help you control this condition and preserve your ocular health.

Common Symptoms of Glaucoma

Many patients don't realize they have glaucoma until they have already experienced significant vision loss.

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but with early intervention, you can manage the progression of the condition and maintain your vision longer. This makes regular checkups with your eye doctor all the more important. If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to Galler Eyecare Associates for a glaucoma screening.

Intense eye pain
Eye redness
Feeling pressure in your eyes
Blurry vision or blind spots
Halos around lights
Frequent headaches and nausea

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The Two Most Common Types of Glaucoma

There are several ways to classify glaucoma, but we most commonly provide Providence patients with diagnosis and treatment for these two main forms of the condition.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common form of the condition, open-angle glaucoma results from improper drainage of aqueous humor, the clear fluid that gives the eye its shape. This type of glaucoma causes a gradual increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to peripheral vision loss, central vision loss, or complete blindness.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a rapid spike in eye pressure that completely blocks the drainage canals. Individuals who experience this rare form of the condition may first notice very sudden symptoms, including severe eye pain, severe headaches, and sudden vision loss.

Whether you're experiencing sudden eye pressure or notice blurriness in your visual field, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Glaucoma Diagnosis

at Our Rhode Island Practice

Diagnostic testing at our Providence, RI, office includes the measurement of eye pressure with advanced instruments, including the Goldmann tonometer and the Ocular Response Analyzer. Additional evaluation includes measurement of corneal thickness, examination of the ocular drainage system, optic nerve photography, and visual field testing of peripheral vision. To schedule an eye exam, contact our doctors today.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses ultrasound technology to detect optic nerve damage in the three innermost retinal layers, also known as the ganglion cell complex. This process involves a quick scan, roughly 25 seconds for each eye. It is instrumental in helping us detect glaucoma early and monitor changes in advancing glaucoma to prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

While existing optic nerve damage cannot be reversed, our team can develop a personalized glaucoma treatment plan to manage your condition and prevent further loss of sight.

Prescription Eye Drops

We can provide prescription eye drops that reduce eye pressure and alleviate glaucoma symptoms.

Laser Surgery

For those with open-angle glaucoma, Dr. Galler can perform Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to relieve intraocular pressure. For those with angle-closure glaucoma, he can perform Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) to create new drainage pathways within the eye.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

Dr. Galler offers minimally invasive procedures for mild to moderate glaucoma, including iStent®, Hydrus® Microstent, goniotomy, and canaloplasty surgery. These can be performed in conjunction with cataract surgery.