Protecting Vision Through

Advanced Glaucoma Management

Request Appointment Call Us: 408-884-2215

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it can develop without noticeable symptoms. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible damage to your sight. Spectrum Eye Physicians specializes in advanced glaucoma management, using cutting-edge techniques and personalized care to help preserve your vision.

Meet The Team

Dr. Yohko Murakami, MD

Dr. Christopher Engelman, MD

Dr. Aimee Chang, MD

Dr. Ryan Basham, MD

OUR SERVICES

Advanced Corneal Disease Management

Advanced Glaucoma Management

Dry Eye Treatment

LASIK

Common Eye Conditions

Glaucoma Specialist Near You

Find a location near you for advanced glaucoma screenings and surgery, with expert care available across the Bay Area.

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A detailed depiction emphasizing the importance of glaucoma exams and awareness in eye care for better health

Glaucoma: What You Need to Know

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). The optic nerve is essential for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, and any damage to it can lead to vision loss.

There are several types of glaucoma:

Primary open-angle glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma
Congenital or secondary glaucoma

The Early Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma develops gradually, and in its early stages, there may be no symptoms. This is why regular eye exams are critical for early detection. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

Gradual loss of peripheral vision (starting with tunnel vision).
Blurred vision.
Halos around lights.
Eye pain or discomfort (more common in angle-closure glaucoma).
Redness or nausea in severe cases.

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam immediately to prevent further damage.

An ophthalmologist explains eye diseases using an eye model at an examination table in a hospital examination room

Woman, face and eye exam lamp for medical glasses, prescription lens or mature glaucoma disease

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Early detection is crucial for managing glaucoma effectively. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess your eye health:

Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure.
Visual Field Testing: Detects blind spots and vision changes caused by optic nerve damage.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Creates detailed images of the optic nerve and retina to identify damage.
Gonioscopy: Examines the eye's drainage angle to determine the glaucoma type.
Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, which can influence eye pressure readings.

Did You Know?

People with diabetes are almost twice as likely to develop glaucoma compared to those without diabetes.

Diabetic Care

A Global Concern

Over 80 million people worldwide are living with glaucoma, and this number is expected to rise to 111 million by 2040.

Eye Exams

Advanced Glaucoma Management at

Spectrum Eye Physicians

Managing glaucoma focuses on lowering IOP to prevent further optic nerve damage. The best treatment will depend on your specific circumstances. During your eye exam, we monitor the disease's progress and evaluate your eyes' health to recommend the most effective option.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

MIGS refers to a group of advanced surgical techniques to lower IOP and manage glaucoma with less risk and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgeries. MIGS procedures use tiny incisions and innovative devices to improve the eye's natural fluid drainage system.

Common MIGS Procedures:

1. iStent: A tiny implant that improves fluid drainage in the eye.
2. Hydrus Microstent: A flexible device that enhances the natural drainage pathway to lower intraocular pressure.
3. Canaloplasty: A procedure that widens the eye’s drainage canal to improve fluid outflow.
4. Goniotomy: A procedure that gently removes a section of the trabecular meshwork to improve drainage and lower IOP.
5. iDose Sustained Drug Delivery Implant: A tiny implant that slowly releases glaucoma medication over time, reducing the need for daily eye drops.

MIGS is ideal for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma who need an effective, low-risk treatment option. Your eye care specialist will help determine if MIGS is the right solution for you.

Glaucoma Stents

Stents are tiny, implantable devices designed to improve fluid drainage in the eye, reducing IOP and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. They work by creating a new drainage pathway or enhancing the eye’s existing drainage system to allow excess fluid (aqueous humor) to flow out.

Types of Glaucoma Stents:

1. iStent: One of the smallest medical implants available, placed during cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure.
2. Hydrus Microstent: A flexible, crescent-shaped stent that improves the natural drainage channel.
3. Ahmed and Baerveldt Valves: Larger devices designed for more severe glaucoma cases.
4. XEN Gel Stent: A soft, gel-like implant placed under the conjunctiva to create a new drainage route.
5. EX-PRESS® Shunt: A small, stainless steel device implanted to create a controlled drainage channel, reducing IOP in advanced cases.

Glaucoma stents are tailored to individual needs based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s eye anatomy. Your eye care specialist will determine which type of stent is most suitable for your glaucoma management.

Trabeculectomy

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure that creates a new drainage pathway for excess fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye. This helps to reduce IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

How Does Trabeculectomy Work?

During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small flap in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and a reservoir, or "bleb," under the conjunctiva (the clear outer membrane). This allows fluid to drain out of the eye more easily, bypassing the eye’s natural drainage system.

Trabeculectomy is a trusted and widely performed procedure that offers relief for patients with difficult-to-control glaucoma. Your eye care specialist will evaluate your condition to determine if this surgery is the best option for managing your glaucoma.

Senior woman during eye and vision exam at ophthalmologists.

Stay Ahead of Glaucoma

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Because glaucoma often develops without symptoms, regular eye exams are essential for protecting your vision. We’re committed to providing comprehensive care for glaucoma patients, from early detection to advanced treatment options. Contact us to schedule an eye exam and take a proactive step toward protecting your vision.

Request Appointment Call Us: 408-884-2215