1-800-658-3500
  • Black Hills Regional Eye Institute Laser Vision Center DVD Request




Beat Potential Blindness

Glaucoma Rapid City

GlaucomaGlaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions in which increased fluid pressure inside the eye causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually lead to blindness; according to Google Health, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States, and first worldwide. Glaucoma can affect anyone at any age.

The four major types of glaucoma are:

  • Open-angle glaucoma - This is a chronic condition found primarily in adults, which slowly and painlessly manifests over time. It is the most common form of the affliction.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma - This is an acute condition found primarily in adults, which requires emergency treatment.
  • Congenital glaucoma - This is a hereditary condition that is present at birth, causing abnormal development of the fluid channels in the eye.
  • Secondary glaucoma - This is a systemic condition caused by other contributing factors such as drugs and other diseases.

Glaucoma Treatments

While there is still no actual cure for glaucoma, Rapid City's Black Hills Regional Eye Institute does offer treatment options to slow, stop, and in some cases reverse the effects of the disease.

The goal of any glaucoma treatment is to reduce eye pressure, as this is the inevitable cause of vision impairment. Depending on the type of glaucoma, medication and surgery are currently the only viable options. The most common treatment method prescribed is medicated eye drops, which reduce pressure and in some cases protect the optic nerve from further damage. Eye drops are usually prescribed to patients with open-angle and secondary glaucoma, and in some cases angle-closure. For those suffering from angle-closure glaucoma, the pain caused by an attack will dictate emergency medical attention. If left untreated, angle-closure glaucoma can result in blindness in a matter of days. Medicated eye drops or pills may be prescribed, but in all likelihood laser surgery will be necessary. Laser surgery for both angle-closure and congenital glaucoma reopens or creates new channels for fluid in the eye in order to reduce swelling.

Learn More about Glaucoma

While there may be no permanent cure for any type of glaucoma, there is no reason to forgo treatment in lieu of vision impairment and eventual blindness. The Eye Institute offers a variety of treatments for all types of the eye condition. Please contact us today to schedule your personal consultation with one of our physicians; the sooner your glaucoma is diagnosed, the better chance there is of improving, and ultimately saving, your vision.