Glaucoma Treatment in Alexandria

Glaucoma Treatment in Alexandria

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(320) 763-4321

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. Eye Associates of Alexandria 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 Eye Associates of Alexandria, 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 Alexandria


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 Eye Associates of Alexandria in Alexandria 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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268 Reviews
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- Nov. 08, 2024
I went in to have my glasses looked at and Michelle was amazing! Excellent customer service, I canno... t say enough! Thank you.
- Oct. 16, 2024
I had the best experience at Eye Associates. Michelle was very friendly and knowledgeable and she ab... solutely made my day when she found me not only one, but two, frames that looked and felt great! Thank you!
- Sep. 20, 2024
Dr. Melissa is excellent, efficient, and kind. Very knowledgeable and truly cares about the patient ... at each visit. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 31, 2024
Great service and selection!!
- Aug. 25, 2024
Excellent care and service. Thank you
- Aug. 14, 2024
All staff were extremely friendly and helpful in answering my questions. Definitely felt like I had ... Dr. Melissa's entire attention, as well as the other staff and they didn't rush me or pressure me to buy something I didn't need or that was out of my price range. Very much recommend Eye Associates of Alexandria!
- Aug. 04, 2024
Had my first visit and love it. The entire staff is kind and A= customer service.
- Aug. 02, 2024
Terrific service and knowledge from Dr. Hoven. The staff are all extremely helpful, professional, an... d friendly.
- Jul. 23, 2024
Dr John Hoven is the epitome a caring, compassionate and dedicated doctor. He took time to explain ... all the eye test scans & results, listened to my concerns and made sure to answer any questions I had. I wish all doctors were so knowledgeable and caring.
- Jun. 27, 2024
I went into the office close to closing time without an appointment as one of my eyeglass lenses pop... ped out due to part of the eyeglass frame breaking. I was shocked how quickly I was helped as I didn't expect to be seen or helped that day. Tech John came out and said I'll see what I can do and in 30 minutes and at no charge he had repaired the damage perfectly. He couldn't have been more kind and spent extra time just talking to me. The people here were so honest and humane. I see why this clinic is so popular . It starts at the top . I'd give it 10 stars if I could .
- Jun. 27, 2024
I was visiting Alexandria when I had an urgent need to get seen. Eye Care of Alexandria fit me in sa... me day with Dr John. He was so incredibly helpful and attentive to my situation. I'm so grateful for the whole teams support. If I was local this would definitely be the place I get seen.
- Jun. 26, 2024
The entire staff is great. I have had dozens of eye exams, Dr Melissa gave the most thorough and I s... ee better than ever.
- Jun. 24, 2024
The staff is knowledgeable, informative and great to work with.
- Jun. 04, 2024
Always professional and compassionate.
- May. 21, 2024
Staff was courteous, professional, helpful, and prompt. Everyone did a great job to ensure I got exa... ctly what I needed.
- Mar. 07, 2024
Wonderful staff and great service. We LOVE our new glasses!
- Feb. 05, 2024
Very friendly staff! Went above and beyong to find a pair of glasses that they did not carry and or... dered them for me. Gave me the BOGO 50% off when the brand I choose was not supposed to be in that promo, but she gave it to me anyway without me asking. I will continue to go back to Eye Associates!
- Jan. 13, 2024
Have not heard from Vance Thompson yet from the referral I was suppose to get
- Jan. 12, 2024
I have had nothing but a pleasant and good experience with Dr Mellisa Hoven and her staff. My trust ... in Dr Hoven’s expertise and professional care is beyond superior.
- Dec. 27, 2023
Dr. Melissa Hoven and the staff are great! I always feel so confident that I am getting the best ca... re.

View All 268 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Alexandria

Our optometry practice in Alexandria

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Hours
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Avesis

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(320) 763-4321