Glaucoma Treatment in Providence

Glaucoma Treatment in Providence

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(401) 331-2020

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. Advanced Eye Care 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.

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 Advanced Eye Care 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 Providence


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 Advanced Eye Care Associates in Providence 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.


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

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.

Patient Reviews
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- Dec. 05, 2024
I appreciate the expertise of Dr. John Carrow. He is very thorough and answers all my questions. Sta... ff is top notch.
- Nov. 23, 2024
This was my very first time here. I had a great experience getting assistance after I had gotten int... o a workplace accident that affected my eyes. I walked in, got signed up, made an appointment, and then I was seen relatively shortly after. The front desk staff were so kind to me and the doctor, Chad, is a wicked cool guy and was able assess what was going on with my eyes efficiently.
- Nov. 05, 2024
Just recently started seeing Dr. Sylvia after years of seeing a different doctor there who had left.... I actually followed that dr to his new location but felt he changed and i was not happy so i came back to AEC. Glad I did! Dr. Sylvia os great! He is knowledgeable, patient, and even a little comical. I'm glad I came back to AEC.
- Oct. 29, 2024
Great experience. Smooth , timely, organized
- Jul. 26, 2024
The eye doctors are awesome there staff needs to be completely fired or retrained
- Jul. 20, 2024
Excellent service, wonderful people there😄
- Jul. 11, 2024
The doctor is the best
- Jul. 09, 2024
Very caring and professional staff.
- Jul. 02, 2024
All of my questions were answered, and I didn't feel rushed.
- Jul. 01, 2024
I have a wonderful experience since day one in Advance Eye Care .Me and my family come here for over... 2 years now ,I highly recommend this place .
- Jun. 20, 2024
Five stars!! From the front desk staff to the doctor, the people make it well worthwhile. A stellar ... experience all around!
- Jun. 14, 2024
I been seeing dr cox for years I even transferred my 10 year old son to see him. I have never had an... y issues with him he’s very nice. The only problem I have had with advanced is my last visit I waited over a hour past my time to get seen and I can never get a hold of the eye glass part about my glasses
- Jun. 11, 2024
Dr. Abdoulaye Wann is highly thoughtful and professional. He clearly explained all the procedures an... d answered all of my questions with great care. He is an excellent optometrist!
- May. 20, 2024
Nice and satisfying
- May. 11, 2024
Great an amazing experience.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Great
- Apr. 17, 2024
Wonderful place, nice people, superior service.
- Apr. 12, 2024
Excellent quality service 💯 percent
- Mar. 25, 2024
Everyone is very friendly. Got seen very quickly.
- Mar. 05, 2024
Dr. Wanna and his crew are the best,! Always friendly and professional. Highly recommended!!!

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Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Providence

Our optometry practice in Providence

Photograph of Carl  Corrow
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • UMR
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Neighborhood Health Plan

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(401) 331-2020