Glaucoma Care

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It is a disease in which the optic nerve, that carries vision to the brain, gets slowly damaged. It is commonly, but not always, associated with higher than normal pressure within the eye. Most forms of glaucoma are painless and slowly progressive. However, some forms can appear painfully and suddenly. Even though the various forms can seem so different, they are called "glaucoma."

Most people with glaucoma do not even know that they have the disease. It silently steals the side vision for years in painless fashion. It is important that all people, particularly those over 40, be tested for glaucoma. African-Americans and patients with a family history of glaucoma are at special risk. Testing includes checking the eye's pressure (we DON'T use "air puffs"), actually examining the optic nerve, and sometimes testing the side vision of the eyes.

Glaucoma is treated with medications (usually eye drops), laser treatments, and surgical procedures designed to lower eye pressure by draining off some of the internal fluids. Most of our ophthalmologists provide glaucoma care. In addition, Dr. John Burchfield is the only fully fellowship trained glaucoma specialist in the region. Dr. Burchfield spent several years teaching and practicing in academic medicine and has been providing comprehensive glaucoma consultation services with Vision Associates for over two years.

To schedule an appointment give us a call at (419) 578-2020 or toll free at 1-(888) 322-7070.