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Ophthalmology | LASIK | Philadelphia | New Jersey
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Glaucoma Treatment | Philadelphia | New Jersey
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Philadelphia Eye Associates | 1703 South Broad Street | Philadelphia, PA 9148 | Tel: 215-339-8100
Glaucoma Treatment | Philadelphia | New Jersey

Glaucoma Treatment | Philadelphia | New Jersey
Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States, is an eye disease that can lead to a permanent loss of vision. This disease has been labeled the "Sneak Thief of Sight" because in its most typical form, there are no symptoms. No pain, no swelling, no redness. Patients with glaucoma may not notice symptoms until vision has been permanently lost.

Simply, glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure of the eye. Every eye has fluid, called aqueous humor, that is constantly being produce as well as constantly being drained. In a glaucomatous eye, this fluid does not drain properly resulting in an increase in the pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure destroys vision gradually, usually starting with the peripheral (side) vision, and if left untreated, will lead to eventual blindness by destroying the optic nerve. With early diagnosis and treatment, useful vision may be preserved.

There are four types of glaucoma:

  • Chronic. This is the most common type of glaucoma, and occurs slowly over time. There is no pain, redness or swelling or other symptoms.
  • Acute. This happens suddenly and is very painful. Victims of an acute glaucoma attack may complain of serious headache and vomiting. Medical intervention is needed immediately to bring the pressure under control to prevent further vision loss.
  • Congenital. Present at birth, congenital glaucoma is a rather rare condition.
  • Secondary. Occurring as a result of systemic disease such as diabetes, from medications such as steroid, or from an eye injury.
 The following factors increase your risk of developing glaucoma:
  • Age (at least 45 years old without regular eye examinations)
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • African American or Asian descent
  • Diabetes
  • Nearsightedness
  • Steroid use
  • Past eye injury

 

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Philadelphia Eye Associates | 1703 South Broad Street | Suite 103 | Philadelphia, PA 19148 | Tel: 215-339-8100 Philadelphia Eye Associates | 2610 East Allegheny Avenue | Philadelphia, PA 19134 | Tel: 215-423-5154 Wills Eye Institute | 840 Walnut Street | Philadelphia, PA 19107 | Tel: 215-339-8100 Philadelphia Eye Associates | 1113 Hospital Drive | Suite 302 | Willingboro, NJ 08046 | Tel: 609-871-1112 Wills Northeast Consultation Suite | 8025 Roosevelt Blvd | Philadelphia, PA 19152 | Tel: 215-423-5154

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Ophthalmologists Dr. Carolyn S. Repke, Dr. Joseph Markoff, Dr. Marc D. Garden, Dr. Mark H. Blecher,
Dr. Robert D. Behar, Dr. Stacey L. Ackerman, and Dr. Brad Feldman, serving Philadelphia,
the state of New Jersey, and all surrounding areas.

Philadelphia Eye Associates:
South Broad Street: 1703 South Broad Street | Suite 102 | Philadelphia, PA 19148 | Tel: 215-339-8100
Allegheny Avenue: 2610 East Allegheny Avenue | Philadelphia, PA 19134 | Tel: 215-423-5154
Wills Eye Hospital: 9th & Walnut Streets | Philadelphia, PA 19107 | Tel: 205-339-8100
Willingboro: 1113 Hospital Drive | Suite 302 | Willingboro, NJ 08046 | Tel: 609-871-1112
Wills Northeast Consultation Suite: 8025 Roosevelt Blvd | Philadelphia, PA 19152 | Tel: 215-423-515

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Ophthalmology | LASIK | Philadelphia | New Jersey