What You Need to Know About Open-Angle Glaucoma
Understanding Open-Angle Glaucoma
This section explains how the disease develops and why early diagnosis is so important.
In a healthy eye, aqueous humor drains through the trabecular meshwork. When this system becomes less efficient, pressure rises and can damage the optic nerve.
Most people notice no changes in vision until significant nerve damage has occurred. This slow progression is why glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight.
Open-angle glaucoma accounts for about 90 percent of glaucoma cases in the United States. Thousands of residents in the Philadelphia-Camden area may be affected.
Treatment Options
Several therapies can lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve.
Prescription drops are usually the first step in treatment.
- Prostaglandins help fluid drain more easily.
- Beta-blockers reduce fluid production.
- Rho-kinase inhibitors relax the drainage pathway.
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors decrease fluid formation.
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists lower pressure and improve drainage.
Laser procedures can improve drainage or reduce fluid production when drops are not enough.
- Laser trabeculoplasty targets the trabecular meshwork to boost outflow.
- Cyclophotocoagulation lowers pressure by treating fluid-producing tissue.
If drops and laser therapy fail to control pressure, surgery may be recommended.
- Trabeculectomy creates a new drainage channel under the eyelid.
- Drainage implants move fluid through a tiny tube to an external reservoir.
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS, uses small devices and typically offers faster recovery.
Key Risk Factors
Certain traits and health conditions can raise the chance of developing open-angle glaucoma.
Risk climbs with age and becomes higher after 60.
Having a close relative with glaucoma increases your likelihood of getting the disease.
People of African, Afro-Caribbean, or Hispanic descent face a greater risk and often develop glaucoma earlier.
Ocular hypertension can slowly damage the optic nerve even before symptoms appear.
A thin cornea can mask true pressure readings, making careful monitoring important.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other vascular problems can affect blood flow to the optic nerve.
Moderate to severe myopia is linked to structural eye changes that raise glaucoma risk.
Extended use of corticosteroids may increase eye pressure and should be monitored by an eye care professional.
Diagnostic Procedures
Comprehensive testing helps detect glaucoma and track its progression.
Measures intraocular pressure to see if it is elevated.
Checks the angle where the iris meets the cornea to be sure it is open.
Inspects the optic nerve head for any signs of damage.
Maps side vision to uncover blind spots caused by nerve loss.
Provides detailed images of the optic nerve and surrounding tissue.
Pachymetry determines corneal thickness, which can influence pressure readings.
Signs and Symptoms
Most early signs are subtle, so routine exams are the best defense.
Peripheral vision narrows slowly and often goes unnoticed at first.
Unlike angle-closure glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma usually causes no discomfort.
Eyes may take longer to adapt when moving from bright to dark settings.
Some people notice slight blurring as the disease advances.
Small blind spots develop, starting at the edges and moving inward.
Severe loss of peripheral vision can leave only a central tunnel.
Minor shifts in how colors appear may signal nerve damage.
Difficulty distinguishing objects from similar backgrounds can occur over time.
Protecting Your Vision
Early action and healthy habits can slow or stop glaucoma-related vision loss.
Adults over 40 should have an eye exam every one to two years, and yearly after age 65 or if at high risk.
Controlling diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol supports optic nerve health.
Wearing safety glasses during sports and hazardous work reduces injury that can complicate glaucoma.
Keeping all appointments and using medications as directed is vital to preserve sight.
Your Partner in Lifelong Eye Health
Staying informed, attending regular check-ups, and following treatment plans are the best ways to guard against vision loss from open-angle glaucoma. Our team is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Doctor Markovitz has taken me from being ready to stop driving out of a fear of getting into an accident to seeing like I saw when I was young. He is truly The Cataract Whisperer.
Suzanne Weikel
Dr. Markovitz is an excellent physician who shows he cares about his patients. ReFocus has really updated their staff to professionals and I'm very pleased with the experience.
Paul Schlear
I saw Dr. Bano, she was super great. She was thorough as well as the rest of the staff. She took her time and examined my eyes and gave me a few options for plan of care. Highly recommend this place.
Karen Wohl
The woman who did intake, glaucoma check, eye chart was friendly and was very competent. Dr. Markovitz did a fabulous job with my eye surgery. I highly recommend him for cataracts.
Mariluz Mojica
Good afternoon. Always feel as through my concerns are always address and a good solution to help with my dry eyes. Thanks again Dr.
Victoria Reinsfelder
Contact Us
Tuesday: 8AM-7PM
Wednesday: 8AM-4:30PM
Thursday: 8AM-7PM
Friday: 7:30AM-4:30PM
Saturday: 8AM-1:30PM
Sunday: Closed