Glaucoma Management

Q: How often should I have my eye pressure checked if I have glaucoma?

Your doctor at Eye Consultants will help you determine how often you should come in to have your eye pressure checked. It can depend on the severity of your glaucoma. Typically, we recommend coming in every 3-6 months.

Q: Do I have to use glaucoma eye drops for the rest of my life?

Yes, if you are taking eye drops to manage your glaucoma, you will likely need to take them for the rest of your life. That said, if you eventually have surgery, eye drops may no longer be necessary.

Q: What can I expect during my glaucoma follow-up visits?

During your glaucoma follow-up visits, we will check your eye pressure, look at your optic nerve to check for damage, and test your vision. If needed, we may also discuss treatment options.

Q: How do glaucoma medications help protect my vision?

Glaucoma medications protect your vision by lowering the intraocular pressure in the eye. This can help prevent damage to the optic nerve and stop vision loss. The medications will either reduce the amount of fluid the eye produces or improve the drainage in the eye.

Q: When should I consider surgery instead of continuing with medication?

If medications are proving ineffective, not reducing your eye pressure enough, or are causing severe side effects, surgery is usually a good next step. It can be especially beneficial if you are at a higher risk of vision loss.

Q: Can smoking or alcohol affect glaucoma treatment outcomes?

Yes. Smoking and alcohol can negatively affect how well your glaucoma treatment works. Smoking has been linked to poor surgical results and vision loss, while alcohol can increase your intraocular pressure and make your glaucoma worse.

Q: Can glaucoma treatments stop the disease from getting worse?

While glaucoma treatments can’t cure the disease or restore vision that’s already been lost, they can stop it from getting worse. By lowering intraocular pressure and improving drainage in the eye, glaucoma treatments can ensure the condition doesn’t escalate.

Q: What are the benefits of laser treatments like SLT or laser iridotomy?

Both SLT and laser iridotomy can significantly improve the fluid drainage in your eye and reduce your intraocular pressure. Both procedures can also reduce your need for glaucoma eye drops. Because they are both minimally-invasive, they are quick procedures and allow you to get back to your life relatively quickly.

Q: How do I know if my current glaucoma treatment is still effective?

The one true way to know if your current glaucoma treatment is still effective is to attend all your follow-up appointments. Your eye doctor will look at your intraocular pressure levels to check if your current treatment is still maintaining or lowering your pressure enough. It’s also important to bring up any changes in your vision during this appointment.

Q: Are there lifestyle or health factors that can affect my glaucoma?

Yes, lifestyle and health factors can affect your glaucoma. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking can all help to lessen your glaucoma symptoms. Managing certain health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure is also crucial.

Medical Management of Glaucoma

The most common medical treatment for glaucoma is eye drops. These medications prevent damage to the optic nerve by reducing the pressure in the eye. Because eye drops are so easy to apply and convenient, this is typically the first form of treatment we turn to for patients with glaucoma.

While eye drops are most common, some medications come in pill form as well. The right medication for you will depend on your symptoms and the type of glaucoma you have. Your eye doctor will help you find the right medication for your unique circumstances.

Glaucoma Surgical Treatments

The goal of glaucoma surgery is to reduce the pressure inside of the eye. This will protect your remaining sight, may not improve vision. There are many types of glaucoma surgery that can be performed to lower the eye pressure. Dr. Dealy is a fellowship trained Glaucoma specialist who has performed thousands of procedures designed to lower eye pressure. From in office laser procedures to complex glaucoma surgeries on patients who have had multiple prior surgeries for both cataracts, and retinal conditions our practice is uniquely positioned to offer you a patient centered and individualized plan for managing your glaucoma.

Laser Iridotomy

Beyond medication, there are surgical options to manage glaucoma as well. One surgical option is a laser iridotomy. A laser iridotomy is a type of laser surgery that uses a beam of light to make a very tiny hole in the iris. The procedure is used to treat or prevent angle-closure glaucoma. The hole allows fluid to drain from the eye, allowing the pressure to go down, which can help reduce pressure and prevent sudden pressure buildup.

After the procedure, you can return to your normal activities, but you should have someone drive you home.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

A selective laser trabeculoplasty is another procedure performed in-office to lower the pressure in the eye. A small laser stimulates the trabecular meshwork (the natural drain for the fluid in the eye). This stimulation allows for better drainage over the next few months. This procedure is primarily used for patients who aren’t responding to medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my eye pressure checked if I have glaucoma?

Do I have to use glaucoma eye drops for the rest of my life?

What can I expect during my glaucoma follow-up visits?

How do glaucoma medications help protect my vision?

When should I consider surgery instead of continuing with medication?

Can smoking or alcohol affect glaucoma treatment outcomes?

Can glaucoma treatments stop the disease from getting worse?

What are the benefits of laser treatments like SLT or laser iridotomy?

How do I know if my current glaucoma treatment is still effective?

Are there lifestyle or health factors that can affect my glaucoma?

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Schedule A Consultation

Have you been struggling to find an effective glaucoma treatment? Or perhaps you’re looking for a second opinion? Our team of specialists at Eye Consultants in Wilmington, DE is here to take care of all your eye needs. Schedule a consultation today by calling us at 302-581-8287 or leaving us a message via our online contact form. We proudly serve the Dover, Middletown, Newark, Smyrna, Wilmington, and Townsend, DE areas.

Dr. Heather Dealy

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist

Dr. Dealy is a dedicated and experienced ophthalmic practitioner and surgeon who enjoys taking care of patients and invests particular attention to their surgical care. She began her career in private practice in 2004 in the Wilmington, Delaware community and has been ranked among the Top Physicians in New Castle County in the Delaware Today… Continue reading Dr. Heather Dealy

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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This is an excellent facility. I have glaucoma and have been treated by Dr. Dealy for over four years. Mine is not an easy case and Dr. Dealy has been so knowledgeable and thorough in answering all questions. She has always spent the time necessary to put me at ease. The front office staff are kind, welcoming, and genuine.

As my glaucoma progressed, I was very fortunate to be referred to Dr. Dealy and her team. Their treatment approach of ongoing testing, review and mutual discussion on treatment options has helped to protect my vision over the last 10 years. For that, I am truly grateful and would strongly recommend their practice.

Professional, but friendly. Staff, including the doctors, are knowledgeable, ensuring patient understands diagnosis and treatment options.

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From routine eye checks to glaucoma treatment to cataract surgery, our team at Eye Consultants provides a full range of eye care services to ensure each and every patient who walks through our doors receives the top-quality care they deserve.

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Comprehensive
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Keeping up with your regular eye checkups is important to maintaining healthy eyes and catching any concerns before they turn into issues. Our comprehensive services allow us to monitor your eye health and provide guidance for treatments and maintenance.

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Cosmetic
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Surgery

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Contact Lenses

Properly fitting contact lenses are vital to not only your vision but also your eye health. We’ll help you determine if contact lenses are right for you and ensure your lenses fit so comfortably that you’ll forget they’re there.

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Say goodbye to dry eyes with the help of Eye Consultants! We’ll determine the cause of your dry eyes and build a customized treatment plan to help you finally find the relief you deserve.

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Eyewear

Currently at Eye Consultants we offer a full range of refractive services, including determining your glasses prescription. Coming soon in 2025, we will proudly offer optical solutions for our patients who need glasses.

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