Eye Doctors of Washington
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 200
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
P / 301-215-7100

Prosperity Plaza
3020 Hamaker Ct.
Suite B-103
Fairfax, VA 22031
P / 301-215-7100

1016 16th Street NW
Lower Level 100
Washington, DC 20036
P / 202-659-2050
P / 866-578-2020

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Early Diagnosis

The glaucoma service at Eye Doctors of Washington provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of all types of glaucoma. We are committed to glaucoma through clinical service, research and education.  

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve resulting in gradual progressive visual loss. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and is the number one cause of preventable blindness. Because it is often a silent disease, it may progress for years without detection. Through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, visual loss is controllable.

Diagnostic Tools

To help ensure accurate diagnosis and management several state of the art diagnostic tests may be performed. We make use of advanced visual field and optic nerve analysis systems available, including the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer and the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT). Our visual field and HRT computers allow us not only to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, but also to quantitatively compare these results with past and future exams.

Treatment

Treatment for glaucoma comes in three forms: eye drops, laser treatment and incisional surgery. These treatments are all aimed at lowering the eye pressure. For almost all patients, appropriate treatment will slow and often stop the progression of glaucoma. Many patients choose to start with medical treatment. For those requiring additional treatment, or those who do not wish to use eye drops, surgical procedures may be performed. Procedures include:

1. Laser procedures, including trabeculoplasty, iridotomy, and transscleral cyclphotocoagulation.
2. Trabeculectomy with or without anti-scarring agents. This surgery creates a new filter in the wall of the eye which allows for improved aqueous fluid drainage from inside the eye, and lower eye pressure.
3. Drainage tube-sunt implant placement. Our physicians are among a select group nationwide who perform this procedure. A microscopic tube may be used for patients with complicated glaucoma.
4. Cataract surgery with intraocular lens implants.

If a patient has a visually significant cataract and glaucoma, he or she may benefit from combined cataract removal and a filtering surgery to lower the intraocular pressure at the same time.

Lasers

1. Argon Laser trabeculoplasty- A laser treatment used to improve fluid outflow and decrease intraocular pressure.
2. Transleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) A procedure pioneered by Dr. Gaasterland, this laser treats the area of the patient's eye which produces intraocular fluid. By decreasing fluid production, the eye pressure decreases.
3. Laser Peripheral Iridotomy - A procedure to improve access to the drain of the eye.
4. Laser Capsulotomies- After cataract surgery, a membrane can develop behind the artificial lens implant, blocking the patients' vision. This membrane can be opened with an in office laser procedure to help improve vision. Dr. Gaasterland was instrumental in the introduction of this procedure to use in the United States in the early 1980s. 

Protect Your Eyesight

The best way to keep glaucoma from robbing you of your eyesight is to have regular eye examinations by a professional eye care specialist. Simple and painless, an eye exam will alert you and your eye doctor to early symptoms of glaucoma so that an appropriate course of treatment can be started. Early detection of glaucoma means more effective treatment of the disease.

Your eyesight is too precious to take for granted. Contact Eye Doctors of Washington today to learn more about glaucoma detection and treatment or to schedule an eye examination.