Your Tampa Bay Eye Clinic for Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma
At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we don’t settle for “good enough” when it comes to glaucoma care. We’re all about using the latest tech and treatments to get the best results – no fluff, no unnecessary procedures, no nonsense.
Dr. Mahootchi, a board-certified specialist, keeps it simple: he focuses on what actually works. That’s it. No gimmicks, just precise care designed to protect your vision and improve your life. Plus, we were some of the first in the country to adopt groundbreaking technology, so you’re getting cutting-edge options that are proven to deliver.
Our one-stop approach means less hassle for you and more time focusing on results. Glaucoma is serious, but with the right care, it doesn’t have to be life-changing. And that’s exactly what we’re here for: to help you keep your vision and live life to the fullest.
The Tampa Area’s Best Glaucoma Specialist
Innovative, Long-Term Glaucoma Treatment Options
Glaucoma is a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the nerve that connects the eye and the brain. Often the pressure in the eye with glaucoma is elevated. The eye is filled with fluid that is made and drained in the eye. A mismatch between fluid production and fluid drainage causes the pressure to be elevated.
Not all cases of glaucoma are caused by elevated pressure, though. There is a large percentage of glaucoma cases–about 40%– where pressures are not elevated.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
Often the first signs of glaucoma are visible by looking at the optic nerve. The changes – called optic nerve cupping – are often seen years before a patient loses vision.
The vision loss due to glaucoma is measured by a computerized test called a visual field. A visual field test measures how dim a light needs to be before you don’t see it anymore. It measures this at several points in your field of vision and compares it to your prior tests and to a normal person’s results of the same age, sex, and glasses prescription. The field loss is usually subtle and not something you can see by waving a hand on the side of your head–at least early in the disease. The changes actually occur in the nose side of the vision first. This is often the same area served by the center vision of the other eye. So, it is easily missed.
There are other tests like optic nerve or ganglion cell layer OCT that measure thinning of the optic nerve layers. These can often help follow the disease early on.
Treating Glaucoma
Glaucoma treatment usually consists of lowering the pressure, whether the initial pressure is high or not. If low blood pressure or sleep apnea co-exist, they should be treated as well.
We can lower the eye pressure by 2 main methods:
- Reducing the fluid production in the eye.
- Increasing the drainage out of the eye.
To do this, we have a wide range of options of eye drop medications, several kinds of laser treatments, and many surgical options. The surgical process has become much faster, with better results over the last 10 years.
Below are some of the remarkable solutions we offer for managing and treating glaucoma.
XEN Gel Stent
The XEN Gel Stent is a revolutionary treatment for glaucoma that effectively lowers eye pressure by creating a new drainage pathway for fluid.
- Minimally invasive, with quicker recovery compared to traditional surgeries.
- Suitable for mild to moderate cases of glaucoma or patients needing surgical intervention.
The Eye Clinic of Florida is a leader in XEN Gel Stent procedures, having performed more of these surgeries than any other practice in the U.S. in 2019 and 2020.
Canaloplasty/Goniotomy
Canaloplasty and goniotomy surgeries help restore natural drainage within the eye, offering effective relief for glaucoma.
- Canaloplasty utilizes a microcatheter to improve the eye's drainage system.
- Goniotomy helps remove blockages in the drainage canals to reduce pressure.
Both procedures are minimally invasive and can be performed alongside cataract surgery for enhanced outcomes.
Durysta
Durysta is an innovative, FDA-approved implant that delivers medication directly into the eye to lower pressure.
- Provides sustained release of medication for months, reducing the need for daily eye drops.
- Ideal for patients with busy lifestyles or challenges adhering to medication schedules.
- Safe and effective for long-term management of eye pressure.
Hydrus
The Hydrus Microstent is an excellent option for patients undergoing cataract surgery who require pressure reduction.
- A flexible, tiny device inserted into the eye to improve fluid flow.
- Offers consistent pressure control with minimal impact on daily activities.
- Designed to integrate seamlessly into cataract surgery for added convenience.
iStent
The iStent is one of the smallest medical devices implanted into the eye to reduce glaucoma symptoms effectively.
- Works by improving fluid outflow, lowering intraocular pressure.
- Minimally invasive and quick to perform.
- Often combined with cataract surgery for optimal results and faster recovery.
At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we are committed to providing individualized care and avoiding unnecessary procedures. With over 25 years of glaucoma treatment experience and continuous adoption of the latest technology, our dedicated team delivers trusted care that helps you protect your vision and maintain your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs of glaucoma to look out for?
Some signs of glaucoma to look out for include: blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, seeing halos around lights, eye pain, redness in the eye, headache, or nausea. In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms, so regular eye exams are essential for early detection.
Are multiple glaucoma medications usually necessary?
Drops are useful but are not without long-term side effects. If you need two medicines, it’s probably time to consider what comes next. There are few good reasons to be on three medications as this rarely works and can make future options less successful.
Who is most at risk for glaucoma?
People most at risk for glaucoma include those over 60, individuals with a family history of the condition, African Americans (who are at higher risk for early onset), individuals with high eye pressure, those with certain medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and people who have experienced eye injuries. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.
How can I get started with the top glaucoma doctors near me?
It’s easy to get started with Dr. Mahootchi and the team at the Eye Clinic of Florida. Request your first appointment online or give our office a call at (813) 779-3338.
Can glaucoma be prevented?
While glaucoma itself cannot always be prevented, early detection and treatment can significantly slow or stop its progression. Regular comprehensive eye exams, maintaining healthy eye pressure, and managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of vision loss.
What are the best treatment options for glaucoma?
Treatment for glaucoma varies based on severity and patient needs. Options include medicated eye drops, laser treatments, and minimally invasive surgical procedures like the XEN Gel Stent, iStent, or Hydrus Microstent. At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we personalize each treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcome for your vision.