Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive deterioration and loss of the eye’s optic nerve.  The optic nerve connects the brain to the eyeball and is responsible for providing nerve fibers to the retina that lines the inner surface of the eye.  Glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, and if left untreated, can cause blindness.  Most forms of glaucoma progress slowly with no outward symptoms until vision loss in pronounced.  Elevated pressure inside the eye is closely associated with glaucoma.  However, eyes with normal pressure can develop this disease.  There are many types of glaucoma, and the exact cause is still unknown.  It can be treated with medication, but there is currently no definitive cure.

Those most at risk for the disease are persons with a family history of glaucoma, Caucasians and Hispanics over age 60, African-Americans over age 40, and those that have had trauma to the eye.  Treatment for glaucoma consists of eye pressure lowering eye drops or surgical procedures.

Dr. Carney is available for all your eye care needs by appointment at Welch/Wallace Laser Center by calling (318) 448-0221.