Do I Have Glaucoma? in Fayetteville, AR

Every person’s eye is unique. As such, Dr. Steven D. Vold, a world-leading glaucoma specialist, and his team of board-certified eye surgeons take meticulous care in customizing treatment for each individual. Glaucoma is a disease that affects about two million people in the United States alone, commonly occurring more in older women, especially those with a family history. Because glaucoma is an eye condition that must be managed, our team follows our patients every step of the way to protect and help prevent additional vision loss. Vold Vision treats patients from across the nation who come to our facility specifically for glaucoma treatment because of our experience and innovation.

Vold Vision offers a number of treatments for glaucoma. Newer treatments in the area of MIGS have revolutionized outcomes for so many of our patients. Dr. Vold was the first eye surgeon to use the Cypath and XEN for glaucoma treatment, and numerous studies have been conducted in our very own research facility, including ones that were passed for FDA approval.

The most common type of glaucoma is classified as open. Other versions are closed-angle and normal-tension glaucomas. Open-angle glaucoma is painless and develops very gradually over decades. As symptoms progress, peripheral vision starts to degrade. Central vision usually follows and, if untreated, can lead to total blindness. Closed-angle glaucoma can occur gradually or quite suddenly, the latter of which can involve sharp pain, blurry vision, dilated pupils, red-eye, and nausea. Our treatment plans are established based upon the type of glaucoma that is diagnosed, as well as the progression of the condition.

Glaucoma has been called the “silent thief of sight” since it usually occurs painlessly over a long time span. Open-angle glaucoma, accounting for over 90% of cases, since it is painless and does not involve acute attacks, makes it hard to self-diagnose. As a result, it is even more important to receive periodic screenings at Vold Vision. Closed-angle glaucoma, however, has painful symptoms that may be present. These can include sudden eye pain, seeing halos around lights, extreme pressure inside the eye, nausea, and vomiting. Situations like these are considered an emergency and immediate attention is required. Additionally, a family history of glaucoma is a danger sign in terms of a patient’s elevated risk. In fact, with a family history of glaucoma, the risk can be up to four times greater. Other signs of glaucoma can result from the prolonged use of steroids and conditions that severely restrict blood flow to the eye, as well as ocular trauma.

Vold Vision is proud to feature the field’s most advanced medical, laser and surgical care for glaucoma treatment. This is led by the award-winning Dr. Vold who specializes in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Relying on him and his team of American Board of Ophthalmology certified team of specialists is important for ensuring the best treatment possible.

Dr. Vold’s passion has always been glaucoma and complex glaucoma as shown by the scholarly articles he has published on the matter. A team of this caliber is important since a diagnosis of glaucoma can be very unsettling. Having a potentially blinding eye disease that requires a lifetime of monitoring also requires a team such as the one at Vold Vision. Treatment usually starts with quality baseline visual field tests which are compared with historical visual tests to help determine the glaucoma type and how fast it’s progressing. This information will also include how aggressive treatment needs to be. Most patients with newly diagnosed, early glaucoma are put on therapy in the form of prescription eye drops. Surgery is another treatment option where a laser trabeculoplasty or incisional glaucoma surgery is called for, depending on how advanced the disease has become.

Patients with glaucoma are faced with managing a disease that requires a lifetime of regular treatment and care. This is a stressful situation and patients rely on Dr. Vold, an international leader in glaucoma treatment, for the constant guidance and assurance that their condition is being closely monitored. Our approach is to help educate and tend to patients with a continuum of care that ensures success from diagnosis to management.  We invite you to call our central Arkansas locations and take control of glaucoma today because, at Vold Vision, you are not alone.