SAFE CARE DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)-Learn how we’re keeping our patients and staff safe.Click Here

Dr. Thomas Biggs ● Dr. Arlin French
Board Certified Ophthalmologists

Glaucoma Care

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. High pressure in the eye causes loss of optic nerve tissue. The higher the pressure in the eye, the greater the likelihood that damage to the optic nerve will occur. High pressure can not be felt, but is measured with a special instrument called a tonometer which should be a part of every routine eye exam.

Glaucoma rarely has symptoms before it affects vision. This is the reason that routine eye exams are critical. Early detection is the key to preventing vision loss or blindness from glaucoma.

Who is at Risk:

The risk factors for glaucoma include elevated eye pressure, age, myopia (nearsightedness), family history of glaucoma, diabetes, African ancestry, past injury to the eyes, and a history of severe anemia or shock.

Types of Glaucoma:

Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs with aging and is a result of poor drainage of the clear liquid (aqueous humor) from the inside of the eye. This liquid is not part of the tears that we normally have in our eyes. Poor draining increases pressure which causes optic nerve damage. It is so gradual and painless that you are unaware there is a problem until the nerve is badly damaged. This damage is not reversible. Over 90% of adult glaucoma patients have this type of glaucoma.

Narrow-Angle glaucoma is when the drainage system is completely blocked. This occurs very quickly and has symptoms that include blurred vision, severe pain in the eye, headache, rainbows or halos around lights and nausea and vomiting. Angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency. If it is not treated immediately, blindness may result.

Oakland Eye Care has invested in the latest glaucoma diagnostic and treatment technology to serve our glaucoma patients.  Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Loss of vision can be prevented if treatment begins early enough.

Call (248) 620-3000 to Schedule Your Appointment Today!