Medical Treatments
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It is when the pressure inside the eye is too high for an individual’s optic nerve. What that pressure is may vary among patients. If the eye pressure is too high, it can lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve. If untreated, this can result in vision loss and even blindness.
There are different types of glaucoma and different testing available to determine if there is any optic nerve damage present. The eye doctor will assess your risk factors and the results of this testing to determine a treatment plan. Treatment may involve close monitoring (if suspect or low-risk), daily eye drop therapy, laser therapy procedures and in rare cases surgical intervention.
DRY EYE
Dry eye is when an individual does not have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are important for the health of the surface of the eye and for clear vision. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.It also can be seen in patients with specific health conditions, taking certain medications or post-surgicalor trauma.
Treatment for dry eyes range from over the counter remedies and eyelid hygiene to prescription medications, autologous serum, amniotic membranes and in rare cases surgical interventions.
PLAQUENIL TESTING AND EVALUATION
There are times where certain medication may affect the eye health. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is the most common medication that patients are referred in by either their routine eye care provider or their rheumatologistfor either baseline testing or to ensure that a patient is not developing any retinal toxicity. Though most patients on Plaquenil do not experience ocular side effects, long-term maintenance therapy or high doses may cause irreversible damage to the retina of your eye.