Glaucoma Treatment in Cincinnati

Glaucoma Treatment in Cincinnati

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(513) 530-0440

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. Harper's Point Eye Associates - Montgomery 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 Harper's Point Eye Associates - Montgomery, 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 Cincinnati


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 Harper's Point Eye Associates - Montgomery in Cincinnati 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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360 Reviews
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- Dec. 08, 2024
EVEN THOUGH I WAS INITIALLY UPSET THAT THEY HAD RELOCATED FROM FOREST PARK, THIS NEW TO ME STAFF WAS... INCREDIBLY HELPFUL AND KIND
- Nov. 23, 2024
I feel that this practice provides some of the best care for your eyes. I have much confidence in c... oming here.
- Nov. 19, 2024
Knowledgeable doc and staff. Good people.
- Nov. 11, 2024
We had to wait a while for the Dr to see us, but the staff are all very patient and helpful with tee... nagers.
- Nov. 07, 2024
I can't say enough.Great things about this office and the staf. Dr. Z and Dr. K are so compassionate... and take their time with you. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend.
- Oct. 08, 2024
Excellent Dr., staff and service. I highly recommend.
- Sep. 30, 2024
Professional, people that seem to be happy work there.
- Sep. 09, 2024
Very good experience at Harper's Point Eye! Doc and staff are over the top amazing.
- Sep. 07, 2024
Best eye doctor Dr ,Todd.Zelczak thank you so much for your best help for my 7 year old son’s eye!... I recommended.Also our insurance accepted too!
- Aug. 15, 2024
10/10 recommend all doctors at this practice. we have moved since becoming patients and still drive ... almost an hour to appointments. Thank you!
- Aug. 10, 2024
I'll stay
- Aug. 07, 2024
They told me to checking 15 minutes before my appointment I get out of the car a white lady tel... ls me were not open yet two white people go right in so I won't be going there anymore!
- Jul. 31, 2024
Great staff!
- Jul. 12, 2024
had a great experience with doctor ziegler and her intern (didn’t catch her name) but definitely a... mazing people. you can tell they really care about the patients and were extremely knowledgeable. also, time effective! impressed and will be back annually 😊 thank you!
- Jul. 01, 2024
Staff serve with smiling faces and good vibes.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Friendly, competent, and efficient experience.
- Jun. 24, 2024
The Staff at Harpers Point Eye Associates are top notch. They are very helpful, knowledgeable and k... ind. My rating of Dr. Zelczek is excellent because he is very knowledgeable and very patient oriented. He explains your eye health and answers all questions that I had. I felt my care was exceptional.
- Jun. 18, 2024
All associates are nice and helpful.
- Jun. 13, 2024
Extremely competent professional and friendly staff. I see Dr Kirstein and he’s amazing! Will ne... ver go to anyone else as long as he’s in practice. They also have a large wonderful display of frames to choose from.
- Jun. 11, 2024
I would like to say this was the first time that I had an eye exam at Harpers point eye associates a... nd I have to say that the front desk was excellent Ruth and the young lady Tessa who did my eye exam was wonderful. Tessa and Tiffany helped me pick out a wonderful pair of glasses that I love. Dr zelchak was wonderful did a thorough exam. All of the personnel people that I met was great. I would highly recommend.

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Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Cincinnati

Our optometry practice in Cincinnati

Photograph of Elliot  Kirstein
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(513) 530-0440