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Glaucoma Diagnosis & Co-Management in Lakeport
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated.¹ It causes vision loss by damaging the optic nerve in the back of your eye. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can result in permanent damage before you even notice symptoms. While glaucoma is typically associated with high eye pressure (or intraocular pressure), you can also develop glaucoma with normal eye pressure.
Early detection is crucial for managing glaucoma.² The sooner we can diagnose the condition, the better chance we have of preserving your vision and preventing further damage.
At Konocti View Optometry, Dr. Boyd evaluates your eye pressure and examines your optic nerve during every comprehensive eye exam. If there are any concerns, we conduct additional in-depth testing to determine whether glaucoma is present or if you are at risk.
How we diagnose glaucoma
If we suspect you may have glaucoma—based on your optic nerve appearance, eye pressure, or other risk factors—we will conduct additional testing using advanced technology. Testing may include:
- RETeval® ERG testing: This non-invasive test measures how your retina responds to light, giving us important insights into the health of your optic nerve. Traditional glaucoma tests focus mainly on eye pressure, but RETeval® ERG testing can catch signs of glaucoma even before noticeable damage occurs.
- Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of your cornea, which helps us interpret your eye pressure readings more accurately.
- Gonioscopy: This allows us to closely examine your eye’s drainage angle so we can better understand how fluid is flowing and determine the type of glaucoma.
- OCT of the optic nerve & ganglion cell complex: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) gives us a detailed view of your optic nerve and surrounding structures, so we can detect even early signs of change.
- Visual field testing: This test maps your peripheral (side) vision, helping us identify any areas of vision loss that could be related to glaucoma.
Glaucoma treatment in Lakeport
If you have glaucoma, it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Treatment cannot restore vision that has already been lost, but it can stop the disease from progressing further.
Treatment for glaucoma differs depending on the type and severity of the disease. Dr. Boyd will evaluate your condition and develop the best plan to manage your glaucoma effectively.
Glaucoma treatment options include:
- Prescription eye drops: one of the most common treatments to reduce eye pressure
- Laser surgery: procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage
- Glaucoma surgery: for cases where other treatments are insufficient; certain surgical procedures can also be performed at the time of cataract surgery
My approach to medical eye care is rooted in understanding that no two patients, and no two conditions, are exactly alike. I take the time to evaluate not just your eyes, but your overall health, risk factors, and symptoms to build a care plan that’s specific to you. By focusing on individualized care, we can detect problems sooner, choose the most appropriate treatment, and better protect your long-term vision and eye health.
In general, Dr. Boyd can manage most glaucoma cases at our Lakeport office. It is only in very advanced or difficult-to-control cases that we refer patients to a glaucoma specialist or ophthalmologist.
Co-management with glaucoma specialists
For patients who require a higher level of specialty care, Dr. Boyd co-manages care with glaucoma specialists in Sonoma County. One of our trusted referral partners is Jason Bacharach, MD, at North Bay Eye Associates.
Because these specialists are located several hours away, Dr. Boyd handles routine pressure checks and testing locally and then sends results directly to the specialists’ offices. This allows patients to access expert care without the burden of frequent long-distance travel.
Schedule a glaucoma eye exam in Lakeport
The best way to prevent vision loss due to glaucoma is to schedule regular eye exams with our eye doctor. If you’re worried about developing this condition, book a glaucoma eye exam in Lake County today.
Glaucoma FAQ
What is involved in a glaucoma exam?
A glaucoma exam begins with measuring your intraocular (eye) pressure and a detailed examination of your optic nerve. If there is any cause for concern, or if you are considered a glaucoma suspect based on your risk factors, we conduct additional testing.
Tests may include pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement), gonioscopy (drainage angle assessment), OCT imaging of the optic nerve and ganglion cell complex, ERG, and visual field testing to evaluate your peripheral vision. Together, these tests give us a comprehensive picture of your eye health and allow us to catch glaucoma at its earliest, most treatable stages.
How often should I get checked if I have glaucoma or am at risk?
Most patients with glaucoma or elevated risk factors should be seen more frequently than once a year. We may recommend seeing us as often as every three to six months, depending on the severity of the condition and how well it is being controlled.
Risk factors that may warrant closer monitoring include elevated eye pressure, a family history of glaucoma, thin corneas, older age, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Dr. Boyd will recommend a monitoring schedule tailored to your specific situation. For the general population, annual comprehensive eye exams remain the best way to catch early signs of glaucoma before symptoms appear.