Certain vascular diseases may limit the effective treatment of low tension glaucoma according to recent reports. Normal Tension Glaucoma is a less frequently found-but important type of glaucoma-that is characterized by patients having “normal” intraocular pressure (IOP) but still experiencing eye damage such as loss of their visual field or “side vision” and optic nerve damage. Researchers at the World Glaucoma Congress reported that certain patients who suffer from Normal Tension Glaucoma who also have vascular disease or even a predisposition to vascular disease such as a family history of stroke, the presence of cardiovascular disease or migraine may not be as easy to treat in avoiding the progression of Normal Tension Glaucoma. In fact, these factors related to vascular disease may indicate less effectiveness of eye pressure (IOP) treatment putting patients at greater risk. The the Collaborative Normal Tension Glaucoma Study is the landmark study for guiding treatment-in which 65% of patients in the untreated group of that study never showed any progression during 7 years of follow-up. But, for those at greater risk due to some other vascular disease we have to be diligent in our examinations and testing to help preserve eye health and vision.
If
you or someone you know is concerned about glaucoma risk, has any family
history of glaucoma or suffers from low tension glaucoma they are encouraged to
schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at
800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio
Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an
appropriate treatment plan.
D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street,Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area.
