Closed Angle Glaucoma Diagnosis Improvements

Closed Angle Glaucoma Diagnosis with Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence

Closed Angle Glaucoma is a sight threatening medical emergency that can cause catastrophic vision loss in a short time if not treated quickly. It is possible to use a number of tests during your eye exam to determine whether you might be at risk. If you are, we can provide an in office laser treatment to easy decrease your risk of Closed Angle Glaucoma. One of these tests is Optical Coherence Tomography, also called AS-OCT short for Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography which allows us to create digital images that are cross-sectional pictures of the eye’s anterior chambers. Researchers are now developing a fully automated database for screening for AS-OCT screening for Closed Angle Glaucoma using machine learning artificial intelligence that will make the diagnosis very reliable and consistent and readily performed by our staff as part of your eye exams if you are at risk.

If you are someone you know has not had a recent eye exam and glaucoma testing please schedule an appointment at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google+  or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, Galveston & League City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.

Glaucoma Eye Drop Side Effects

Glaucoma is typically treated with one or more types of eyedrops although today laser treatment for glaucoma may be a good option for many patients to reduce or even eliminate their need for eye drops. Almost all eyedrops for glaucoma have some side effects that can include redness, changes in the color of your eyes and eyelids. In addition glaucoma eye drops can cause system side effects including changes in blood pressure, irregular pulse and changes in heart rate, becoming unable to exercise, breathing problems and even impotence in men. Some patients also report dry eyes from glaucoma eye drop medication.

Always be sure to tell your primary care physician about all of the eye medicines you take including glaucoma eye drops even if you are not experiencing any side effects. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, please be sure to schedule an appointment so that we might be able to offer alternative treatments which might include and in office laser treatment.

To learn more about glaucoma or schedule a glaucoma eye exam, please call The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google+  or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, Galveston & League City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.

Tips to Help Prevent Glaucoma Vision Loss

10 Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Losing Vision from Glaucoma

Recent studies have identified a number of lifestyle factors that actually influence eye pressure which is a major risk factor for glaucoma. By either avoiding or embracing certain habits you can have a positive effect on your risk of glaucoma.

Get Regular Exercise. A recent study showed that people who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity appear to have a 73 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. This is because blood flow and pressure inside the eye may change with exercise, which may affect glaucoma risk.

Eat a Diet Rich in Fruits & Green Leafy Vegetables. One study showed that people who ate more leafy vegetables have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. Why? Nitrates in green vegetables can be converted to nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and help regulate pressure inside the eye.

Drink Tea, BUT Coffee Only in Moderation. A recent study last month showed that people who consumed at least one cup of hot tea daily had 74 percent decreased odds of having glaucoma compared with those who did not consume hot tea. A little coffee is fine, but excessive caffeine intake is not ideal. One study found that drinking 5 or more cups of caffeinated coffee increased the risk of developing glaucoma. How can tea help? Antioxidants and the flavonoids contained in tea may improve the body’s ability to prevent the harmful effects of free radical damage.

Consider a Magnesium Dietary Supplement. We now know that an adequate intake of dietary magnesium may be beneficial for patients with glaucoma because of improved circulation.

Brush, Floss & See Your Dentist Regularly. A recent study showed that tooth loss may be linked to increased glaucoma risk due to because periodontal or gum disease stimulating and inflammatory response that can contribute to glaucoma.

Don’t Smoke. Studies clearly show that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of glaucoma, and has an overall negative impact on eye health.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight. Studies show that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk for diabetes, and having diabetes puts people at risk of glaucoma. Having a too low BMI is also associated with increased glaucoma risk.

Avoid Inverted Yoga Positions. Studies show head-down positions can increase eye pressure and are not recommended for glaucoma patients.

Avoid Neckties. Researchers say that a too-tight necktie may increase the risk of glaucoma by increasing blood pressure inside the eyes.

  

Get Regular Eye Exams & Glaucoma Testing. Especially if you have a family history of the condition you are at greater risk and need more frequent eye exams and testing. Researchers have recently identified certain genes that increase the risk of glaucoma. Those at higher risk of glaucoma include people of African descent, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of glaucoma. You are at greatly increased risk if you have a parent or brother or sister with glaucoma. 

If you or someone you know is concerned about their glaucoma risk and is considering making lifestyle changes, before making changes please be sure to schedule an eye exam at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google+  or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, Galveston & League City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.

Glaucoma Awareness Month

The Eye Clinic of Texas wants to focus patient’s attention on glaucoma this month as January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. This is an important time to spread the word about this sight-threatening disease. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness overall. Of particular note is that glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians. Over 4 million Americans, and nearly 70 million people worldwide, have glaucoma.  Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.

Our understanding of this disease, along with the ways in which we can diagnose and treat it, has improved considerably. Advanced diagnostic techniques such as in office optical coherence tomography (OCT) to study the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) make it possible for us to detect glaucoma earlier and avoid vision loss through early treatment. The availability of better treatment options including many new eye drop medications, lasers and microscopic implants help us prevent glaucoma vision loss.

If you, a relative or someone you know, is at risk for glaucoma based on age, heredity or health, please schedule an eye exam at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google+  or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, Galveston & League City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.