Glaucoma Treatment in Portland

Glaucoma Treatment in Portland

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(615) 323-7331

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness.

It's caused by fluid build-up and increased pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve that progressively worsens your vision. This disease can cause severe, irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

In many cases, appropriate control and treatment can help prevent further damage to the eyes and protect your vision. Sumner EyeCare - Portland offers several treatments to help address glaucoma. Learn more about the treatments we provide and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Glaucoma diagnosis


The 2 Main Types of Glaucoma

grandfather wearing glasses holding his granddaughter

  • Open-angle glaucoma: the most common type. It is a lifelong condition that accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: a rare form of the disease which requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the angle is closed in many or most areas between the iris and cornea, which reduces fluid drainage and increases eye pressure.

Glaucoma: The Sneaky Thief of Sight

There is a reason glaucoma is called “the sneaky thief of sight”--half the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it! Meaning, they may not have symptoms in the early stages.

At Sumner EyeCare - Portland, we diagnose and help preserve your vision with cutting-edge glaucoma treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

If you have a family history of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, contact us today.

optometrist in Portland


What are the Signs of Glaucoma?

glaucoma signs

As mentioned earlier, glaucoma usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. When signs do manifest, it's usually loss of tunnel vision or peripheral vision. Unfortunately, by the time vision loss has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

That said, the less common angle-closure glaucoma does show a sudden onset of symptoms, including:

  • Extreme eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt diagnosis and treatment by contacting Sumner EyeCare - Portland in Portland or visiting your nearest emergency room.


Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • Age 40 +

    The prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, with most glaucoma patients aged 40 and up. That said, there is a much rarer form of this disease (congenital glaucoma) that affects infants.

  • Family History & Ethnicity

    Your risk for developing glaucoma is higher if you have a family history of the disease. Those of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American, and Indigenous Canadian descent have a higher risk of developing this disease.

  • Other Conditions

    High myopia, hypertension and diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

  • Eye Injury or Trauma

    An eye injury, trauma or eye surgery can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.


Common Glaucoma Treatments

There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, several treatments are available to prevent the progression of this sight-robbing condition. With the right care, you have a higher chance of managing your glaucoma and preserving your vision.

Common treatments include:

Eye Drops

Your optometrist will prescribe eye drops to help regulate pressure inside the eye by decreasing fluid production and/or improving drainage.

Laser Surgery

If eye drops aren’t doing enough to reduce intraocular pressure or intraocular temperature in open-angle glaucoma, laser surgery may be an option. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) opens up the drainage system in the eye to reduce pressure.

SLT is successful in 80% of cases and can reduce eye pressure by 20%.

Other Surgeries

If a laser procedure or eye drops do not lower eye pressure to the desired level, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following surgeries:

  • Incision Surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants

Glaucoma Testing Treatment FAQs

How does an eye doctor diagnose glaucoma?

Since glaucoma has no side effects early on, it is essential for people with a family history of risk factors for glaucoma to get tested. The following tests diagnose glaucoma:

  • Tonometry: measures the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP)
  • Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam): examines the shape and color of the optic nerve
  • Perimetry: measures your field of vision
  • Gonioscopy: checks the angle where the iris meets the cornea
  • Pachymetry: determines the thickness of the cornea to better evaluate eye pressure.
What foods should you avoid if you have glaucoma?

The following are the foods every glaucoma patient should consider avoiding immediately. It should help keep your optic nerve healthy and minimize eye pressure.

  • Caffeine - certain studies show that caffeine contributes to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Saturated fats - a diet high in saturated fats can lead to weight gain, which not only increases intraocular pressure but also cholesterol levels.
  • Trans fats - try to limit your consumption of trans fats because they can also raise cholesterol levels
  • Salt - make sure to consume salt sparingly, as increased blood pressure can indirectly lead to intraocular pressure.
What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

About 60% of patients diagnosed with glaucoma will eventually lose some vision.

However, the rate of legal blindness among glaucoma patients is 5%. Getting effective treatment early on will greatly increase your ability to preserve and maximize your vision.

Patient Reviews
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301 Reviews
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- Sep. 29, 2024
Dr. Colonna is very knowledgeable and takes his time with his patients. The staff there has always b... een super friendly and extremely helpful as well. Couldn't ask for a better eye care provider and staff. Highly recommend.
- Sep. 07, 2024
New to the practice and everyone was so kind and helpful.
- Aug. 11, 2024
Dr. Colonna is absolutely great! He makes my kids feel comfortable and answers their questions and m... y own! I highly recommend him.
- Aug. 07, 2024
I really enjoyed it.You are very good at what shall I do?And thank you so much. You are wonderful.Yo... u are wonderful and god bless you
- Jul. 18, 2024
I always have a great experience at Sumner Eyecare..Everyone is always great
- Jul. 18, 2024
Easy to make an appointment. Nice and courtesy employees.
- Jun. 27, 2024
Wonderful staff. BEST Doc around.
- Jun. 27, 2024
I absolutely love this place
- May. 28, 2024
Everyone is friendly and very helpful. It’s always a good time trying on frames and picking out my... next pair.
- May. 11, 2024
Always on time and very professional. Best eye care in Portland Tennessee.
- May. 09, 2024
Very nice people. Prices on glasses are as good as any other big name place. Make you feel like they... are there to help you, not just sale you something you don't have to have or need. Definitely recommend. Thanks
- Mar. 18, 2024
Excellent experience. Dr. Colonna and his staff were phenomenal. Love my new specs! Would highly rec... ommend!
- Mar. 08, 2024
Excellent Service!
- Mar. 01, 2024
Awesome place and staff
- Feb. 14, 2024
Very friendly staff! I had my 3 young kids with me at my appointment and not only did I receive grea... t care, but the staff very kindly interacted with my kids as well. Clean and organized environment. Glad I found them!
- Feb. 07, 2024
The staff and doctor are are so Professional very friendly and I would not Hesitateto be Recommend ... them to my family and friends
- Jan. 29, 2024
I love this office. The staff are always so friendly and helpful. I don’t ever feel rushed when I ... have a few questions and they always make me feel like they appreciate my business as well.
- Jan. 16, 2024
Great staff and very friendly. I highly recommend them for your eye care needs.
- Dec. 20, 2023
Great place for eye care. Dr. Colonna is great and the staff is super nice and helpful.
- Dec. 15, 2023
Very nice and helpful, I would recommend them to anyone needing a eye exam.

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Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Portland

Our optometry practice in Portland

Photograph of Matthew  Colonna
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(615) 323-7331