Treatment of Eye Disease & Glaucoma

Treatment Of Eye Disease

Dr. DiGeso is certified to treat and manage eye diseases, such as glaucoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eye, ocular hypertension, and more. In addition, she examines and treats patients with urgent eye issues, such as foreign bodies and abrasions to name a few. Topical (eye drops) and/or oral medications are prescribed for these conditions. Dr. DiGeso also co-manages pre and post-op care for cataract surgery patients.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that affects millions worldwide. It is characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can progressively impair your peripheral vision, eventually leading to complete vision loss. However, with early detection and proper management, the detrimental effects of this condition can be mitigated, preserving your precious sight.

Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it typically develops gradually without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This stealthy nature underscores the importance of regular eye exams, especially for individuals at higher risk, such as those with a family history of the condition, individuals of advanced age, or those with specific medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can arise from various underlying factors that disrupt the delicate balance between the production and drainage of the aqueous humor, the fluid that nourishes and maintains the appropriate pressure within the eye. The primary causes of glaucoma include:

  • Increased Aqueous Humor Production: In some cases, the ciliary body (the structure responsible for producing aqueous humor) may produce an excessive amount of fluid, leading to an accumulation within the eye and increased intraocular pressure.
  • Impaired Aqueous Humor Drainage: The aqueous humor is constantly drained through a network of channels and drainage structures known as the trabecular meshwork. If this drainage system becomes obstructed or damaged, the fluid can accumulate, resulting in elevated intraocular pressure.
  • Anatomical Abnormalities: Certain anatomical variations or irregularities in the eye's structure, such as a narrow or closed angle between the iris and cornea, can impede the proper drainage of aqueous humor, leading to increased pressure.
  • Genetic Factors: Glaucoma can have a genetic component, with certain gene mutations increasing an individual's risk of developing the condition. Family history plays a significant role in assessing one's susceptibility.
  • Age-Related Changes: As we age, the eye's drainage system can become less efficient, making it more challenging for the aqueous humor to drain properly, leading to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and eye injuries or trauma, can contribute to the development of glaucoma by affecting the eye's ability to regulate intraocular pressure.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

In its early stages, glaucoma often exhibits no noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Gradual Peripheral Vision Loss: One of the earliest and most common symptoms of glaucoma is the gradual loss of peripheral vision, often starting with the side vision. This loss can go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, as the brain compensates for the missing visual field.

  • Tunnel Vision: As glaucoma progresses, your central vision may remain intact, but your peripheral vision continues to diminish, leading to a "tunnel vision" effect.

  • Eye Pain or Redness: In some cases, particularly with acute angle-closure glaucoma, you may experience sudden and severe eye pain, redness, and vision disturbances, which require immediate medical attention.

  • Halos or Rainbow-Colored Rings: Some individuals with glaucoma may notice halos or rainbow-colored rings around lights, especially at night or in low-light conditions.


Early detection is paramount in the effective management of glaucoma. Since the condition often progresses gradually without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for identifying and addressing the disease before significant vision loss occurs.

Diagnostic Tests for Glaucoma

Two commonly used tests for glaucoma are visual field testing and optical coherence tomography (OCT) testing. Visual field testing is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating the extent of peripheral vision loss associated with glaucoma. During this test, you will be asked to focus on a central point while light stimuli are presented in different areas of your visual field. Your responses to these stimuli are recorded, creating a map of your remaining visual field.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve head. This advanced technology allows your eye doctor to evaluate the thickness and structural integrity of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), which can be affected by glaucoma.
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During an OCT scan, a specialized camera captures high-resolution images of the retina and optic nerve head by measuring the reflection of light waves. These images provide valuable information about the health and integrity of the optic nerve and surrounding structures, enabling early detection of glaucoma-related damage.
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Diagnostic Tests for Glaucoma

Two commonly used tests for glaucoma are visual field testing and optical coherence tomography (OCT) testing. Visual field testing is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating the extent of peripheral vision loss associated with glaucoma. During this test, you will be asked to focus on a central point while light stimuli are presented in different areas of your visual field. Your responses to these stimuli are recorded, creating a map of your remaining visual field.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve head. This advanced technology allows your eye doctor to evaluate the thickness and structural integrity of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), which can be affected by glaucoma.
​​​​​​​

During an OCT scan, a specialized camera captures high-resolution images of the retina and optic nerve head by measuring the reflection of light waves. These images provide valuable information about the health and integrity of the optic nerve and surrounding structures, enabling early detection of glaucoma-related damage.
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Glaucoma Management by Dr. DiGeso

Dr. DiGeso specializes in the treatment of glaucoma, offering comprehensive care to patients with this condition.The primary goal of these treatments is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The most common non-surgical treatment options include topical medications, eyedrops, and oral medications.

Topical medications are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These medications work by either reducing the production of aqueous humor or improving its drainage, ultimately lowering IOP. Your eye care professional may prescribe one or a combination of eyedrops, depending on the severity of your glaucoma and your individual response to the treatment.

In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed in addition to or as an alternative to topical treatments. These medications work systemically to lower IOP by either reducing aqueous humor production or improving its drainage.

At Somerville Family Eyecare LLC, we prioritize your vision and overall eye health. Our comprehensive care approach, combined with our commitment to personalized attention and cutting-edge technologies, ensures that you receive the highest quality of care for the effective management of glaucoma.
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If you or a loved one are experiencing any symptoms of glaucoma or have concerns about your eye health, contact Somerville Family Eyecare LLC for a comprehensive eye exam. Dr. DiGeso and our dedicated team of professionals are here to guide you through the process of early detection, diagnosis, and effective management of glaucoma.