Although glaucoma is basically a life-long disease that can cause blindness, it is unlikely that this will happen if the diagnosis is made in a timely fashion, and if you commit to following the instructions of your doctor.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, we would like to give you a better understanding of what can be expected. We will do everything possible to maintain your best vision; however, managing your glaucoma is a partnership.

Most glaucoma patients are seen two to four times a year. During these visual examinations, the inner structure of the eye including the retina, optic nerve head, and optic disc is checked. Measuring the pressure inside your eye, called the intraocular pressure or IOP, is also necessary. Maintaining pressure at the normal level is a primary goal of treatment.

Other assessments will be necessary at least once a year to give you the best opportunity to avoid further loss of sight. For example, a dilated examination is performed to evaluate the optic nerve. Periodically, it is also necessary to check the angle of the eye in a test called Gonioscopy. This is done to monitor the fluid drainage, which is important in maintaining proper pressure. Each year, a Retinal Tomography test will be performed, which is a diagnostic test used to monitor the optic nerve head, as well as identify potential retinal disease. This is a very precise test that allows the doctor to identify early changes or damage to the optic nerve and the retinal nerve fiber. Every several years, Fundus Photos are taken. These are photographs of the entire inner surface of your eyeball (fundus). These photos are vital in documenting any changes and determining if these changes are due to glaucoma or other related problems. The Visual Field test is performed at least once a year. This extremely important test tracks the eye’s ability to correctly respond to light on all parts of the retina; areas that are damaged by glaucoma will show no response. Visual fields are necessary to determine if there is any damage to the optic nerve that may not be detected by simply looking at it. Although this test takes about 30 minutes to an hour to perform and is considered by some patients to be boring, it is essential to controlling your glaucoma.

  The Humphrey® Field Analyzer II

For early diagnosis, treatment and management of glaucoma and other diseases, the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer test is the recognized standard of care.

 Our Partnership in Eye Care

HELPFUL HINTS FOR REMEMBERING
 YOUR GLAUCOMA MEDICATION

• Always take your eye drops at the same time every day (or as recommended by your doctor).
• Associate taking your eye drops with other daily routines you have established for yourself, such as brushing your teeth before bed.
• Keep your eye drops in the same place in your home and always know where they are. 
• Ask a friend or family member to remind you to take your drops. Each day, they can ask, “Did you remember your eye drops today?” 

SEND YOURSELF A SIGNAL

• Set a daily clock or watch alarm to serve as a reminder to take your eye drops.
• Put a reminder note in a prominent location, such as on the refrigerator door or on the mirror in your bathroom.
• Keep a calendar nearby and draw an “X” through each day after your medication is taken. This will serve as an easy visual cue to whether you took your medicine that day. 
• Place a towel, scarf, or other object in a place where it can serve as a reminder to take the medication. (For example: place a cloth over your alarm clock so that the cloth reminds you to take the medicine before the alarm is set for the next day.) 

MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT RUN OUT OF MEDICATION

• Keep a log of how long the eye drops last so you can get a refill before running out.
• Example: If you use drops in both eyes, a 2.5 ml bottle should last a little more than a month (approximately 40 days). A 5.0 ml bottle should last approximately 80 days, and a 7.5 ml bottle would last approximately 120 days. If you use eye drops in only one eye, it should last twice as long.
• Once you know how long your medication should last, mark your calendar to refill your prescription one week before you expect to run out.

We are dedicated to providing our patients the best care possible but you must do your part as well. It is imperative that you follow our instructions concerning medications and dosages, and that you commit to keeping your follow-up appointments. During your visit you may want to bring your medication(s) with you to ensure you are taking the correct medicine at the correct times. We also encourage you to write down any questions that you have so they can be answered and discussed.

Thank you for the confidence you have shown in Clemson Ophthalmology in allowing us to care for your sight. Together we will do everything possible to prevent any worsening of this condition. 

Glaucoma Patient Education Materials

Glaucoma Medicines Only Work if You Take Them

Optic Nerve Scans for Glaucoma

The Silent Thief of Sight

What to Expect if You Have Glaucoma

Why it is Important to Take Your Glaucoma Medications Regularly

SLT: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty