Glaucoma Treatment in Waverly

Glaucoma Treatment in Waverly

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(931) 296-1990

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness.

It's caused by fluid build-up and increased pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve that progressively worsens your vision. This disease can cause severe, irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

In many cases, appropriate control and treatment can help prevent further damage to the eyes and protect your vision. River Valley Eye Clinic offers several treatments to help address glaucoma. Learn more about the treatments we provide and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Glaucoma diagnosis


The 2 Main Types of Glaucoma

grandfather wearing glasses holding his granddaughter

  • Open-angle glaucoma: the most common type. It is a lifelong condition that accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: a rare form of the disease which requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the angle is closed in many or most areas between the iris and cornea, which reduces fluid drainage and increases eye pressure.

Glaucoma: The Sneaky Thief of Sight

There is a reason glaucoma is called “the sneaky thief of sight”--half the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it! Meaning, they may not have symptoms in the early stages.

At River Valley Eye Clinic, we diagnose and help preserve your vision with cutting-edge glaucoma treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

If you have a family history of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, contact us today.

optometrist in Waverly


What are the Signs of Glaucoma?

glaucoma signs

As mentioned earlier, glaucoma usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. When signs do manifest, it's usually loss of tunnel vision or peripheral vision. Unfortunately, by the time vision loss has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

That said, the less common angle-closure glaucoma does show a sudden onset of symptoms, including:

  • Extreme eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt diagnosis and treatment by contacting River Valley Eye Clinic in Waverly or visiting your nearest emergency room.


Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?

  • Age 40 +

    The prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, with most glaucoma patients aged 40 and up. That said, there is a much rarer form of this disease (congenital glaucoma) that affects infants.

  • Family History & Ethnicity

    Your risk for developing glaucoma is higher if you have a family history of the disease. Those of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American, and Indigenous Canadian descent have a higher risk of developing this disease.

  • Other Conditions

    High myopia, hypertension and diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

  • Eye Injury or Trauma

    An eye injury, trauma or eye surgery can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.


Common Glaucoma Treatments

There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, several treatments are available to prevent the progression of this sight-robbing condition. With the right care, you have a higher chance of managing your glaucoma and preserving your vision.

Common treatments include:

Eye Drops

Your optometrist will prescribe eye drops to help regulate pressure inside the eye by decreasing fluid production and/or improving drainage.

Laser Surgery

If eye drops aren’t doing enough to reduce intraocular pressure or intraocular temperature in open-angle glaucoma, laser surgery may be an option. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) opens up the drainage system in the eye to reduce pressure.

SLT is successful in 80% of cases and can reduce eye pressure by 20%.

Other Surgeries

If a laser procedure or eye drops do not lower eye pressure to the desired level, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following surgeries:

  • Incision Surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants

Glaucoma Testing Treatment FAQs

How does an eye doctor diagnose glaucoma?

Since glaucoma has no side effects early on, it is essential for people with a family history of risk factors for glaucoma to get tested. The following tests diagnose glaucoma:

  • Tonometry: measures the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP)
  • Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam): examines the shape and color of the optic nerve
  • Perimetry: measures your field of vision
  • Gonioscopy: checks the angle where the iris meets the cornea
  • Pachymetry: determines the thickness of the cornea to better evaluate eye pressure.
What foods should you avoid if you have glaucoma?

The following are the foods every glaucoma patient should consider avoiding immediately. It should help keep your optic nerve healthy and minimize eye pressure.

  • Caffeine - certain studies show that caffeine contributes to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Saturated fats - a diet high in saturated fats can lead to weight gain, which not only increases intraocular pressure but also cholesterol levels.
  • Trans fats - try to limit your consumption of trans fats because they can also raise cholesterol levels
  • Salt - make sure to consume salt sparingly, as increased blood pressure can indirectly lead to intraocular pressure.
What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

About 60% of patients diagnosed with glaucoma will eventually lose some vision.

However, the rate of legal blindness among glaucoma patients is 5%. Getting effective treatment early on will greatly increase your ability to preserve and maximize your vision.

Patient Reviews
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213 Reviews
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- Nov. 22, 2024
Recently had my annual eye check-up this week, the exam and check up went well. Wish there was less ... paperwork to fill out each year, too much redundancy of information between forms and too extensive, be nice to checkmark "same as last visit". The eye Dr. did a thorough job with the exam and explained various options and conditions. I was especially pleased with the eye care specialist, "Nikki" who was fantastic in helping me find the right frame and lens options. She is the best, and should get a big raise!
- Nov. 03, 2024
Dr. Mallory and the whole staff has been so patient with my daughter. She always enjoys going to see... them.
- Oct. 08, 2024
Great experience! The office worked in me the same day as a brand new patient for a problem I was ha... ving.
- Sep. 12, 2024
Fantastic service!
- Sep. 05, 2024
Very nice people; very professional. I have NO complaints.
- Aug. 14, 2024
Best one around!!
- Jul. 20, 2024
Great service
- Jul. 12, 2024
Dr. Emma Scott is wonderful! Very knowledgeable and personable! She takes the time to answer all que... stions and concerns I may have! All of the staff are very friendly and helpful as well! And the best part is that they are located very close to my home!
- Jun. 27, 2024
Very professional , excellent service
- Jun. 01, 2024
Friendly and efficient staff. Dr Mathis was great! Would highly recommend this office for anyone nee... ding an eye exam.
- May. 01, 2024
They are very very kind
- Apr. 26, 2024
Doctor Emma Scott really cares about her patients and goes above.And beyond her call of duty to help... . Also Nikki is awesome.They have personalities that will not Quit. Come see doctor emma scott and nikki. I will say I had one time meeting with doctor patterson, Very Critical.attitude,did not like her. and unless it's Dr Emma it's nobody.
- Apr. 22, 2024
Everyone was extremely friendly and professional. Will definitely be back.
- Apr. 13, 2024
If you want excellent service for your eyes, go to River Valley Eye Clinic in Waverly, Tennessee.
- Apr. 01, 2024
Dr Scott is great. She genuinely cares about your vision and eye health. Staff is personable and kin... d!
- Mar. 30, 2024
Extremely kind and friendly staff!
- Mar. 04, 2024
Every time I go there I receive the best care possible Every one is extremely nice and considerate
- Mar. 02, 2024
Great experience. Fast service and everyone had a great attitude!
- Feb. 26, 2024
Dr Scott and staff were wonderful!
- Feb. 16, 2024
Dr. Scott is the best, professional and personable! Her staff are friendly and proficient and Alliso... n always has a kind word when I visit! I only wish my other doctors and clinics were this great!!!

View All 213 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Waverly

Our optometry practice in Waverly

Photograph of Emma  Scott
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(931) 296-1990