Glaucoma Treatment in Thornton

Glaucoma Treatment in Thornton

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

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What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness.

It's caused by fluid build-up and increased pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve that progressively worsens your vision. This disease can cause severe, irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

In many cases, appropriate control and treatment can help prevent further damage to the eyes and protect your vision. Best Eyecare Associates offers several treatments to help address glaucoma. Learn more about the treatments we provide and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Glaucoma diagnosis


The 2 Main Types of Glaucoma

grandfather wearing glasses holding his granddaughter

  • Open-angle glaucoma: the most common type. It is a lifelong condition that accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: a rare form of the disease which requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the angle is closed in many or most areas between the iris and cornea, which reduces fluid drainage and increases eye pressure.

Preserve Your Vision For Longer

Glaucoma: The Sneaky Thief of Sight

There is a reason glaucoma is called “the sneaky thief of sight”--half the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it! Meaning, they may not have symptoms in the early stages.

At Best Eyecare Associates, we diagnose and help preserve your vision with cutting-edge glaucoma treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

If you have a family history of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, contact us today.

optometrist in Thornton


What are the Signs of Glaucoma?

glaucoma signs

As mentioned earlier, glaucoma usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. When signs do manifest, it's usually loss of tunnel vision or peripheral vision. Unfortunately, by the time vision loss has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

That said, the less common angle-closure glaucoma does show a sudden onset of symptoms, including:

  • Extreme eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt diagnosis and treatment by contacting Best Eyecare Associates in Thornton or visiting your nearest emergency room.


Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • Age 40 +

    The prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, with most glaucoma patients aged 40 and up. That said, there is a much rarer form of this disease (congenital glaucoma) that affects infants.

  • Family History & Ethnicity

    Your risk for developing glaucoma is higher if you have a family history of the disease. Those of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American, and Indigenous Canadian descent have a higher risk of developing this disease.

  • Other Conditions

    High myopia, hypertension and diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

  • Eye Injury or Trauma

    An eye injury, trauma or eye surgery can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.


Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Thornton

Our optometry practice in Thornton

Photograph of Christine  Best
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Tricare
  • EyeMed

Common Glaucoma Treatments

There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, several treatments are available to prevent the progression of this sight-robbing condition. With the right care, you have a higher chance of managing your glaucoma and preserving your vision.

Common treatments include:

Eye Drops

Your optometrist will prescribe eye drops to help regulate pressure inside the eye by decreasing fluid production and/or improving drainage.

Laser Surgery

If eye drops aren’t doing enough to reduce intraocular pressure or intraocular temperature in open-angle glaucoma, laser surgery may be an option. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) opens up the drainage system in the eye to reduce pressure.

SLT is successful in 80% of cases and can reduce eye pressure by 20%.

Other Surgeries

If a laser procedure or eye drops do not lower eye pressure to the desired level, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following surgeries:

  • Incision Surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants
Patient Reviews
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147 Reviews
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- Aug. 02, 2023
Great staff. They worked w me to help me find the best frames for my face.
- Jun. 03, 2023
Very professional. All employees are kind and do their jobs well. The exam was detailed.I feel they... are The Best!!!
- Apr. 12, 2023
I had a great experience at Best Eyecare. They were prompt, friendly and explained the entire proces... s as we went.
- Mar. 16, 2023
They were the Best! My 4 year old son took a book to the eye and had a cornea abrasion. He was so un... comfortable. I called, they were abel to get him in immediately to be seen. They ended up being out of network, but I decided to go ahead and pay out of pocket. They tried very hard to find someone in network for us, but it was already 4pm and we had zero luck trying to find someone willing to take on a 4 year old at 4pm, even though it was an emergency. She went ahead and helped my son in her office. I was very grateful as he was uncomfortable and I didn't know where else I would go. Thank you for helping me take care of my son!
- Mar. 02, 2023
Everyone was so kind and professional. I am so happy I found Best Eye Care.
- Feb. 01, 2023
I recommend this place to everyone!
- Jan. 03, 2023
I love Dr. Best and her entire staff. They're thorough and very kind. I've been going for several ... years now . I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
- Dec. 08, 2022
Very professional and very accommodating people
- Nov. 01, 2022
This office is wonderful from the kind professional first call though the exam to check out. This p... lace strikes the balance between warm and professional perfectly. I will be back.
- Oct. 11, 2022
Dr. Best performed an excellent eye exam, probably one of the best I've ever had. Dr Best and her ... staff answered all my questions very well. I would recommend this practice if I have the opportunity.
- Oct. 06, 2022
They’re very professional people, I like the variety of glasses they have there. I’ll continue g... oing there, I am happy with them.
- Aug. 25, 2022
Got me in when they were not open to patients. Quickly diagnosed my retinal tear then had me set up ... for a laser procedure with a retinal specialist the same day. Amazing doctor and staff who go above and beyond to provide excellent care!
- Aug. 24, 2022
Dr Best and her staff are above professional and caring. I have been going to her for almost 20 yea... rs. If anyone is looking for a phenomenal eye provider she is the BEST!!!!
- Aug. 15, 2022
Wonderful experience. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Thank you Mary! Highly recommended! AAA+++
- Aug. 09, 2022
Professional, efficient process, top notch optometrist!
- Jul. 15, 2022
Everything was great as usual!! Keep up the good work.
- Jun. 29, 2022
Everyone has been friendly, they are good about explaining and always willing to answer questions. I... would highly recommend Best Eye Care.
- Jun. 17, 2022
I had an appointment for 1:00, I notified them that if they had something earlier I would be availab... le. I had the time pushed up and got in and out with out any problems. My exam had been done by the VA. I have experienced greedy optical vendors in the past, to pad the bill. This office was not that way. I will let my family know about this facility.
- Jun. 15, 2022
I just love Dr. Best! I've been seeing her for years now and have never been disappointed. She is ve... ry caring as is her staff. They are very polite and informative. I always have a good experience with their office. She also always makes sure that my PCP gets my eye exam notes. I also work in a PCP office and it is frequently a struggle for us to get these from other offices, so I appreciate that she is so consistent at sending these. Only 1 tiny thing is that they are booking out a bit right now, but I'm sure it's because they do a great job!
- Jun. 15, 2022
Great atmosphere. All the staff were pleasant. Overall great experience. Thank you for the great car... e.

View All 147 Reviews

Glaucoma Testing Treatment FAQs

How does an eye doctor diagnose glaucoma?

Since glaucoma has no side effects early on, it is essential for people with a family history of risk factors for glaucoma to get tested. The following tests diagnose glaucoma:

  • Tonometry: measures the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP)
  • Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam): examines the shape and color of the optic nerve
  • Perimetry: measures your field of vision
  • Gonioscopy: checks the angle where the iris meets the cornea
  • Pachymetry: determines the thickness of the cornea to better evaluate eye pressure.
What foods should you avoid if you have glaucoma?

The following are the foods every glaucoma patient should consider avoiding immediately. It should help keep your optic nerve healthy and minimize eye pressure.

  • Caffeine - certain studies show that caffeine contributes to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Saturated fats - a diet high in saturated fats can lead to weight gain, which not only increases intraocular pressure but also cholesterol levels.
  • Trans fats - try to limit your consumption of trans fats because they can also raise cholesterol levels
  • Salt - make sure to consume salt sparingly, as increased blood pressure can indirectly lead to intraocular pressure.
What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

About 60% of patients diagnosed with glaucoma will eventually lose some vision.

However, the rate of legal blindness among glaucoma patients is 5%. Getting effective treatment early on will greatly increase your ability to preserve and maximize your vision.


glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

Schedule Eye Exam