Glaucoma Treatment in Pagosa Springs

Glaucoma Treatment in Pagosa Springs

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(970) 731-4300

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. ABBA Eye Care - Pagosa Springs 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 ABBA Eye Care - Pagosa Springs, 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 Pagosa Springs


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 ABBA Eye Care - Pagosa Springs in Pagosa Springs 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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205 Reviews
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- Nov. 18, 2024
Everyone was professional, pleasant and efficient!
- Oct. 24, 2024
Very good atmosphere, friendly staff. The Dr. was extremely helpful after being very unhappy with my... contacts and glasses/prescriptions giving by another store/Dr for the last 3 years! Definitely worth the drive over the pass for us!
- Sep. 28, 2024
The staff here is phenomenal
- Aug. 25, 2024
Great experience and staff outstanding!
- Aug. 20, 2024
I had a virtual eye exam for the first time today and it was so easy and relaxed! The remote Dr was ... nice and answered all my questions - Got cute glasses and sunglasses and they had great packages/discounts which is always awesome. I won’t go anywhere else, thanks ladies of ABBA Eye Care!
- Aug. 03, 2024
First time having a virtual exam and the staff were all very helpful at explaining the process. Rel... axed atmosphere and friendly staff. All questions were answered and test results explained. Can' wait to get my new glasses.
- Aug. 01, 2024
I've had a lot of eye exams since I was a kid in the 90s and 2000s, technology has come a long way. ... This was definitely the coolest experience so far.
- Jul. 13, 2024
The staff at this location are awesome! Everyone was friendly, knowledge, helpful and efficient. The... Doctor I saw took the time to answer all my questions and the staff helped me to pick out the perfect pair of glasses! Definitely recommend them!
- Jun. 26, 2024
Passed through on a road trip and need emergency eye glass repair…done with a smile. Thank you �... ��
- Jun. 24, 2024
I had a wonderful experience with ABBA Eye Care! Thank you for helping make my day better and guide ... me through the process.
- Jun. 19, 2024
I am not sure if my other review was received. Soooo here is another one. The staff at Abba Eye Care... was fantastic. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I actually had a good time taking the eye exam. The remote doctors were as friendly and helpful as the people at Abba. I am 72 years old and this is the first prescription glasses I have ever owned. I am very happy and look forward to getting the glasses. A special thanks to Michel who helped me through the eye exam and choosing the frames plus she is the first person to ask for my autograph in 35 years. HA!
- Jun. 16, 2024
The staff are friendly, kind, and helpful. I am so glad I chose this place for my eye care checkup
- Apr. 18, 2024
The best place, they are patient and super helpful and willing to take every ounce of precaution to ... insure you will be well taken care of. Very friendly atmosphere I always go in With anxiety and leave with confidence.
- Apr. 01, 2024
We've been treated very well each time we're in for an appointment. Moved here in 2001, and have bee... n served by Abba Eyecare ever since.
- Mar. 30, 2024
Great people work here. Terrific selection for products. Quick turnaround for glasses orders was ver... y nice.
- Nov. 21, 2023
Great Team of friendly, patient, knowledgeable professionals.
- Nov. 05, 2023
I am so grateful for the technology and prompt referral from the local staff. Angie did a great job ... spotting a potential problem and referring me for advanced care, not otherwise possible in our small mountain community. Thx Abba.
- Jun. 18, 2023
Very nice and helpful staff
- Jun. 13, 2023
The staff is friendly and efficient.
- Jun. 10, 2023
Friendly nice good experience enjoyed it have a good day

View All 205 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Pagosa Springs

Our optometry practice in Pagosa Springs

Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(970) 731-4300