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It is estimated that over two million Americans have some type of glaucoma and half of them don't even know it.
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that causes blindness without any warning signs.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, but it can be treated. The eye receives its nourishment from a clear fluid that circulates inside the eye called aqueous humor. As this fluid is constantly produced, it must also be constantly returned to the blood stream through the eye drainage system called the trabecular meshwork. When this fluid builds up in the eye, it causes increased pressure which damages the optic nerve, the nerve responsible for sending visual images to the brain

Philadelphia Glaucoma Surgery
Frequently asked questions about Glaucoma:

Q: How do I know if I have glaucoma?

A: Because Glaucoma has no signs in the early stages, regular eye screenings are the only way to find out if you have glaucoma. It does not cause pain, red eyes, or blurry vision, but it can harm your vision.

Q: Who is at risk for getting glaucoma?

A: Although glaucoma can effect anyone, certain groups are at increased risk. African Americans are five time more likely than Caucasians to get glaucoma. Individuals over the age of 40, anyone with diabetics, high blood pressure, or with a family history of glaucoma should be screened every year.

Q: How is glaucoma treated?

A: Elevated eye pressure is commonly treated with eye drops which are taken daily. They work by either slowing the production of the aqueous fluid within your eye or by improving the flow through the drainage meshwork. If the drops are not adequately controlling your pressure, the doctor may suggest either a filtration surgery or a laser procedure. The laser surgery attempts to open up the drainage canal. Filtration surgery creates a new drainage channel to allow the aqueous fluid to drain from eye.