People sometimes take their vision for granted. It’s important to remember that like the body, eyes also feel the wear and tear that accompany aging. Most vision problems that come with age are not always serious; however, some of the eye problems we do experience can be. Dr. Michael A. Hochman, board-certified ophthalmologist and retina specialist, has been working diligently to help his patients tackle eye disease for over twenty years in Laredo.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve and if left untreated can worsen with time, and even lead to blindness in some cases. Glaucoma is a complex disease as there are various types, and each carries with it a series of symptoms and treatments.
Glaucoma is a result of high ocular pressure (eye pressure). This build-up of pressure is caused by abnormal production or drainage of the fluid in the eye. Maintaining a healthy eye pressure is what keeps the eyes in great shape, thus maintaining clear and sharp vision. The most common type of glaucoma experienced by patients in Laredo is chronic open-angle glaucoma, which may eventually lead to tunnel vision or loss of peripheral vision, and blindness. This type of glaucoma is common in a Latino community.
Glaucoma doesn’t mature for all patients, so treatment is not always necessary or can be controlled with eye drops. Unfortunately, glaucoma is a disease that lasts a lifetime. It’s not curable; it’s treatable. For more advanced cases, various laser and surgical treatments are available. Some of these interventions are currently only offered in Laredo through Dr. Hochman’s office and at Laredo Laser and Surgery, located at 5313 McPherson Road.