Glaucoma Care & Surgery

Expert Glaucoma Care & Surgery in Chattanooga

close up of womans eye Glaucoma is a complex disease with a progression that can be difficult to detect without the aid of qualified specialists. From conducting detailed examinations to providing modern medical and surgical treatment, Drs. Robison and Gannon and our team are dedicated to preventing vision loss due to this condition.

Pomerance Eye Center, P.C. offers comprehensive glaucoma care in Chattanooga, Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama. Our goal is to preserve your sight and help you enjoy the benefits of good long-term eye health. Call to schedule your consultation today!

CALL US: (423) 855-6800 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Why Prompt Diagnosis and Care is Important

female patient having her eye examined There are two major types of glaucoma: open-angle and closed-angle. In both instances, vision impairment occurs over time due to optic nerve damage. Both result from an imbalance of fluid within the eye and an unhealthy increase in intraocular pressure (IOP).

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common variety and exhibits few symptoms aside from gradually diminished peripheral vision which is difficult for the patient to detect. Glaucoma is often not detected before there is an irreparable loss of vision.

While less common, closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency with symptoms that include significant eye pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and sudden onset of blurred vision. If you are experiencing any of these signs, contact our office immediately.

Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. This fact makes it vital to undergo an evaluation if you are 40 years old or older or have a family history of glaucoma. Other risk factors for glaucoma include:

Long-term use of certain medications
Certain ethnic backgrounds
Family history of glaucoma
Other diseases and trauma

How We Can Help

The team of specialists at our practice have the education and practical experience to assess your eye health accurately. To detect the presence of glaucoma and determine how far the disease has progressed, we perform an array of tests. These may include a visual field test, non-invasive imaging via Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), tonometry, and pachymetry. Each different measure of your vision and ocular structures will uncover signs commonly associated with glaucoma.

Chattanooga Glaucoma Treatment Options

At Pomerance Eye Center, P.C., your thorough eye health assessments are treated comprehensively as well. In the case of glaucoma, we provide minimally invasive therapeutic and surgical solutions. These options include:

Eye Drop Therapy: Proven in many cases to effectively manage IOP, this is often the first option our doctors turn to when addressing glaucoma. We offer various eye drops, ranging from those that relax eye muscles to those that decrease internal fluid production. Depending on the extent of your condition and your medical history, we may recommend either daily treatment with a single type of medication or a combination of anti-glaucoma eye drops.

Laser Surgery: Our practice offers laser procedures as either a supplement or an alternative to eye drop therapy. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), a painless outpatient surgery, may be performed in the case of open-angle glaucoma to shrink eye tissue and allow internal fluids to drain more efficiently. Our doctors may recommend a procedure called iridotomy to clear the blockage from an iris enlarged by closed-angle glaucoma.

Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): This method minimizes the complications associated with standard glaucoma surgeries using micro-equipment and techniques. There are several MIGS options, and each one is performed as an outpatient procedure lasting about 10 minutes. Our Chattanooga glaucoma experts possess the specialized training required to perform MIGS, and we prefer the increased safety this surgical option provides for qualified patients.

How Long Does it Take to Heal After Glaucoma Surgery?

Close up of senir woman eye. The type of surgery you have and your overall health will affect your recovery time. In general, it can take between three to six weeks to heal from minimally invasive treatment and longer for more complicated surgery. Some blurred vision and minor discomfort is expected, along with slight inflammation and tearing. The patient will have a clear regimen of care, which must be carefully followed.

Protect Your Sight with Glaucoma Care & Surgery in Chattanooga

At Pomerance Eye Center, P.C., our main priority is to preserve your vision through accurate diagnosis and effective, minimally invasive care. If you would like to discover more about glaucoma and our approach to treatment, contact our practice today and schedule a consultation!