Glaucoma (the sneak thief of sight) is an eye disease that is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure. This can cause damage to the eye (optic) nerve which can lead to vision loss and eventually total blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops, although lasers and surgery can also be used. Most cases can be controlled well with these treatments, thereby preventing further loss of vision. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to preserving sight in people with glaucoma.
Who gets Glaucoma?
- Family history of glaucoma
- People with abnormally high intraocular pressure
- People of African American, Hispanic, or Asian American descent
- People who have diabetes
- People who have myopia
- People with a previous eye injury
- Extremely high or low blood pressure
Glaucoma is more common, and more aggressive in the Caribbean population.
Early diagnosis and treatment is essential because vision loss due to glaucoma can be halted, not reversed. Treatment is necessary to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the eye optic nerve.
OCULOPLASTIC
Oculoplastic surgery includes a wide variety of surgical procedures that deal with the orbit (eye socket), eye lids, tear ducts, and the face. Ocular reconstructive surgery, aesthetic eyelid surgery, facial plastic surgery, and cosmetic procedures fall into this category. Some types of oculoplastic surgery are considered both medically necessary and cosmetic. For instance, certain eyelid and periocular issues can affect a person’s appearance as well as their vision, eye comfort, and eye health.
Most oculoplastic surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means you go home the same day and recovery is fairly quick.
Types of Oculoplastic Surgery
Oculoplastic surgery covers a wide range of procedures, including:
- Eyelid surgery, including blepharoplasty and eyelid reconstruction, for ptosis, entropion, ectropion, and eyelid tumors
- Tear duct surgery
- Orbital surgery to manage thyroid and eye disorders, tumors, and trauma
- Eyebrow and forehead lifts