Naples, FL - tel. 239-262-5883 Bonita Springs, FL - tel. 239-949-2020
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Comprehensive Ophthalmology


Dr. Stanciu is proud to offer her patients the following services:

  • Advanced Cataract SurgeryComprehensive
  • Multi-focal IOL Implants
  • Retinal disease specialist
  • Macular Degeneration evaluation & treatment
  • Diabetic eye care
  • Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery
  • Cosmetic Procedures
  • Expert eyewear fitting & selection
  • Comprehensive eye exams for the family
  • Dry Eye Treatment
  • Lid Lesions


    Glaucoma

    Glaucoma
    Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the Unites States, involves progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a disease caused by the increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting either from a malformation or malfunction of the eye’s drainage structures. Left untreated, an elevated IOP causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibers resulting in a progressive, permanent loss of vision. Most forms of glaucoma do not produce symptoms until vision is severely damaged. But if diagnosed early, the disease can be controlled and permanent vision loss can be prevented.

    There are two basic types of glaucoma. They include:

    Open angle-glaucoma, the most common type that occurs in approximately 90 percent of those who suffer from the disease. This condition can develop gradually and undetected for years, slowly damaging vision. In early stages of open-angle glaucoma, medicated eye drops are usually prescribed to lower the eye’s pressure. If the condition worsens, a laser procedure called a trabecuoplasty is performed to lower the pressure further.

    Angle-closure glaucoma, which is much more rapid in onset, affects less than 10 percent of glaucoma patients. Symptoms occur suddenly and are much more severe, but vision can be preserved with prompt, effective treatment. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma, or narrow-angle glaucoma, is generally initiated with laser iridotomy to open the drainage channels of the eye.

    What are the risks factors for glaucoma?

    Although glaucoma is most common in adults over the age of 40, susceptibility is not determined by age alone. There is a genetic component, and those with a family history of the disease, as well as African-Americans, are at increased risk. Those with hypertension, diabetes and other systemic diseases are also at risk. Studies have shown individuals at greater risk for glaucoma may fit one or more of the following criteria:

    Glaucoma

    • Are over the age of 60
    • Have a family history of the disease, elevated intraocular pressure
    • Are African-American over the age of 40
    • Have diabetes or hypertension
    • Are nearsighted
    • Some Medications such as Prednisone

    How is Glaucoma diagnosed and treated?


    Because Glaucoma does not produce symptoms in the early stages, those who are 40 or o ver should have an annual eye exam including a measurement of the intraocular pressure. Patients who are glaucoma suspects may need additional testing.

    Visual Field

    The glaucoma evaluation has several components. In addition to measuring the intraocular pressure, the doctor will also evaluate the heath of the optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy), test the peripheral vision (visual field test), and examine the structures in the front of the eye with a special lens (gonioscopy) before making a diagnosis.

    Dr. Stanciu evaluates the optic nerve and grades its health by noting the cup to disc ratio. This is simply a comparison of the cup (the depressed area in the center of the nerve) to the entire diameter of the optic nerve. As glaucoma progresses, the area of cupping, or depression increases. Therefore, a patient with a higher ratio has more damage.    
       
    The progression of glaucoma is monitored with a visual field test. This test maps the peripheral vision, allowing the doctor to determine the extent of vision loss from glaucoma and a measure of the effectiveness of the treatment. The visual field test is periodically repeated to verify that the intraocular pressure is being adequately controlled.

    Glaucoma

    Most patients with glaucoma require only medication to control the eye pressure. Sometimes, several medications that complement each other are necessary to reduce the pressure adequately. Surgery is indicated when medical

    treatment fails to lower the pressure satisfactorily. The objective of any glaucoma operation is to allow fluid to drain from the eye more

    GLaucoma

    efficiently. Patients diagnosed with glaucoma will need to be followed up on every three to four months to make sure that the pressure is under control.


    ALT (Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty) and SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) are clinically proven to treat glaucoma by safely and effectively reducing intraocular pressure in a single office procedure. ALT & SLT can be an effective adjunct to medication therapy or used as a primary treatment to reduce or eliminate the need for topical glaucoma medications, along with their common systemic side effects. The SLT is the newest technology available to control the pressure in the eye. It can be repeated with no harm to the eye, is painless, and is done as an office procedure which is covered by health insurance. If you would like more information on this procedure please call 239-949-2020 to set up a consultation.

    Will the laser treatment cure my glaucoma?

    No. Any vision that is already lost prior to the laser treatment, in general, will not return. The laser procedure only lowers your eye pressure. By lowering the eye pressure, the goal is to either stop or slow down your loss of vision. Sometimes this goal is not possible.

    Can I stop my glaucoma eye drops after the laser?


    Since it takes a few weeks to determine the full effect of the laser treatment, you will need to be on the same glaucoma eye drops in the immediate period after the laser treatment. Sometimes it is possible to decrease the number of glaucoma eye drops that you are on. Even if you are on the same glaucoma medications after the laser treatment, the laser is still successful if your pressure is lower. The need for eye drops long-term varies greatly and is determined by your type of glaucoma and the rate it is progressing.

    If you suffer from glaucoma or have a family history of glaucoma contact our office for a consultation at 239-949-2020.





Call to Make an Appointment: 239-949-2020