Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma Overview

Eye Associates Glaucoma

With early detection and treatment, loss of sight can often be prevented.

Glaucoma is a disease in the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain, called the optic nerve. It is made of many nerve fibers and will cause blind spots when damaged. Most blind spots go undetected until significant damage occurs.

Glaucoma has two common types: primary open-angle and angle-closure. Regular eye exams can make all the difference in diagnosis and detection. Symptoms of primary open-angle glaucoma do not appear until permanent damage has occurred.

Glaucoma Symptoms

Primary open-angle glaucoma signs and symptoms include:
  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes
  • Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Acute angle-closure glaucoma signs and symptoms include:
  • Eye pain
  • Nausea and vomiting (accompanying severe eye pain)
  • Sudden onset of visual disturbance, even in low light
  • Blurred vision
  • Halos around lights
  • Reddening of the eye
Glaucoma can cause blindness before any signs or symptoms are noticeable. As a guide, please be aware of these risk factors:
  • Elevated internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
  • Age (older than 60)
  • Ethnic background (risk for developing glaucoma is higher for African-Americans, Mexican-Americans and those of Asian-descent)
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Medical history that includes diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure and hypothyroidism
  • Severe eye injuries that cause increased eye pressure
  • Long-term use of eye drops

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam for all adults starting at age 40, and every three to five years after if risk factors are not present. If risk factors are present and you are over the age of 60, you should be screened every one to two years.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, Hattiesburg Clinic providers will assess the level of severity. If glaucoma is diagnosed early, it can be controlled with eye drops or medicine so that it does not cause further damage to the eye. If you exhibit a severe level of glaucoma, our providers will create a treatment plan custom to you.

  • Eye drops
  • Canaloplasty: a less invasive, non-penetrating surgical technique used for the treatment of glaucoma
    • This treatment method repairs the natural drainage system to control the pressure in the eye. It naturally restores fluid flow, decreases pressure in the eyes and prevents optic nerve damage and vision loss.
  • Trabeculectomy (filtration surgery): a microsurgical technique performed to treat glaucoma by lowering the pressure in the eye
Ophthalmology & Optometry
Collins, MS
Eye Associates
Collins Family Practice Clinic
704 Fifth St.
Collins, MS 39428
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Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Ophthalmology & Optometry
Columbia, MS
Eye Associates
Columbia Family Clinic
502 Broad St.
Columbia, MS 39429
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Monday - Friday
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Ophthalmology & Optometry
Hattiesburg, MS
Eye Physicians & Surgeons
Hattiesburg Clinic - Main
415 S. 28th Ave.
2nd Floor
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
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Monday - Friday
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Ophthalmology & Optometry
Hattiesburg, MS
Eye Associates
Hattiesburg Clinic - Bellevue
7148 Hwy. 98 W.
Ste. 201
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
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Monday - Friday
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Ophthalmology & Optometry
Petal, MS
Eye Associates
Petal Family Practice Clinic
50 Parkway Ln.
Petal, MS 39465
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Ophthalmology & Optometry
Poplarville, MS
Eye Associates
The Poplarville Clinic
1407 S. Main St.
Poplarville, MS 39470
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Monday - Friday
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Ophthalmology & Optometry
Wiggins, MS
Eye Associates
Wiggins Family Clinic
805 Hall St.
Wiggins, MS 39577
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Monday - Friday
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