Glaucoma Diagnosis

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a combination of eye disorders that affect the optic nerve and can ultimately lead to peripheral vision loss. It usually occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye and presses against the optic nerve.

To prevent vision loss and blindness, it’s important to diagnose and treat glaucoma as soon as possible. Because glaucoma doesn’t typically have symptoms, at least not early on, regular eye exams are vital for detecting the condition.

As a glaucoma specialist in Wilmington, DE, Dr. Dealy is trained to manage complex and severe cases of glaucoma, diagnose the condition, and provide treatment with surgery or lasers. Dr. Dealy also works with other ophthalmic sub-specialists to provide effective treatment to control and manage glaucoma.

Types of Glaucoma

There are two different types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and develops gradually. It typically occurs when the eye doesn’t drain fluid well, resulting in eye pressure which leads to optic nerve damage. This type of glaucoma is painless and initially, comes with no vision changes. Having regular eye exams can help your ophthalmologist diagnose the disease before you lose vision.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma (or closed-angle glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma) occurs when the drainage system of the eye is blocked. When this happens, eye pressure increases quickly and requires medical attention immediately, as it can lead to blindness.

Glaucoma Consultation and Evaluation

Patients who are suspected of having glaucoma are encouraged to consult an ophthalmologist to obtain a diagnosis and, if needed, treatment for their condition. The consultation and evaluation are the first steps in receiving a diagnosis and preventing vision loss. 

Often, patients discover they have glaucoma when they come in for a regular eye exam. From there, Dr. Dealy, Dr. Long, or Dr. Considine will run various tests to determine the best treatment option for you.

Visual Field Analysis

A visual field analysis allows our doctors to detect and monitor glaucoma. It measures your area of vision. Usually, the visual field test is taken once a year, but depending on the severity of your glaucoma, your doctor may decide to check your visual field more frequently.

Optic Nerve Imaging and Photos

Optic nerve imaging takes photographs of both your retina and optic nerve. The procedure will start with dilating your eyes so we can see the back of your eye. The staff will then use a special camera (Optical Coherence Tomography) to take pictures of the area. This advanced technology will allow the doctors will be able to see each layer of eye tissue and map your optic nerve. The results of these photos can be seen immediately.

While optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the latest technology and can provide a 3D reconstruction of the optic nerve, having physical photographs means we will always have documentation of your optic nerve and how the glaucoma is progressing.

Schedule A Consultation

Are you at risk for glaucoma? Or are you looking for a second opinion? A glaucoma consultation and evaluation with our team can give you the accurate diagnosis you’re looking for. To get started, simply call our Wilmington, DE office at 302-581-8087 or fill out our online contact form. 

At Eye Consultants, we proudly serve the Wilmington, Dover, Middletown, Newark, Smyrna, and Townsend, DE communities.

Contact Us Today

Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.

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Real Patient Recommended

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Office staff is extremely pleasant, professional, and very efficient. They are always helpful and answer any questions when you phone in. Dr. Dealy is great. Cataract surgeries were seamless. Dr. Dealy has a genuine interest in the health of the patient’s eyes and takes her time explaining any issues regarding your eyes. Also, answers any questions patients may have. Would highly recommend.

I have loved going to this office since I moved to Delaware. They know me personally and their customer service, knowledge and professionalism surpasses all the eye doctors I’ve been too in the past!

The service is wonderful, from the receptionists, to the MAs, to the doctors.

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