Glaucoma

We offer the most advanced tools to diagnose, monitor, and support patients undergoing glaucoma treatment.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of conditions affecting the optic nerve, a cable-like bundle of fibers that connects the eye to the brain and makes it possible for you to see. 

The optic nerve “cable” is made of retinal nerve fibers. In patients with glaucoma, these retinal nerve fibers of the optic nerve become damaged. Glaucoma typically causes no symptoms until advanced vision loss occurs. The nerve becomes thinner and thinner over time, leading to vision loss.

Glaucoma Symptoms

• Eye pain
• Emergent vision loss
• Nausea/vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Eye redness
• Headache

What Causes Glaucoma?

There is no single cause of glaucoma. In a small percentage of patients, there may be types of glaucoma that have a direct genetic basis for disease. There are other types of glaucoma associated with medications or diseases such as advanced diabetes. 

Most glaucoma types, however, are likely due to a combination of many different variables—with increasing age being the greatest risk factor.

Glaucoma Treatments and Services

At the WVU Eye Institute, we are the only tertiary referral center for glaucoma in the state of West Virginia. Our specialists are trained in identifying multiple types of glaucoma and providing individualized, low-risk treatments based on each patient’s needs. 

Diagnosing Glaucoma

• Primary open angle glaucoma
• Pigmentary glaucoma
• Psuedoexfoliation glaucoma
• Neovascular glaucoma
• Uveitic glaucoma
• Acute angle closure glaucoma
• Congenital glaucoma

Glaucoma Treatment

WVU Eye Institute glaucoma specialists offer a full range of medical, laser, and surgical treatments. Surgical treatment of glaucoma has expanded greatly over the past decade and has allowed our glaucoma specialists to tailor disease treatments based on individual patient needs to minimize risk and optimize outcomes. We offer nearly all types of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) as well as more traditional trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgeries for more advanced cases.