Glaucoma Center - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Eye Doctor Doctors for GlaucomaType of Physician: Eye Doctor What is a Eye Doctor? A certification by the Board of Ophthalmology; practitioners provide comprehensive eye and vision care. They are trained to diagnose, monitor and medically or surgically treat all eyelid and orbital problems affecting the eye and visual pathways, and to diagnose, monitor and treat all eye and visual disorders. They often prescribe vision services (glasses and contact lenses) as well as serve as a consultant to physicians and other professionals. Specialty: Ophthalmology Common Name: Eye Doctor Eye Doctor Doctors in Bellingham * Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology LLC  Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology LLC  Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology LLC  J R Tisdall MD  Northwest Eye Clinic  Northwest Eye Clinic  Northwest Eye Clinic  Bellingham Eye Physicians PS  Bellingham Eye Physicians PS  Bellingham Eye Physicians PS  Bellingham Eye Physicians PS  Island Eye Physicians & Surgeons  Island Eye Physicians & Surgeons  North Cascade Eye Associates  North Cascade Eye Associates  North Cascade Eye Associates  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Terry J Lee MD  Harman Eye Clinic  Harman Eye Clinic  Pacific Eye Care  Everett Clinic Main Campus  Everett Clinic Main Campus  Physicians Eye Clinic  Everett Clinic Main Campus  Everett & Flodstrom MDs  Everett & Flodstrom MDs  Cascade Eye MDs  Cascade Eye MDs  Edmonds Eye MD  David F Peck MD  Brian Takagi MD  Eye Clinic of Edmonds  Pacific Eye Care  Retina Consultants of Seattle  Pacific Retina Specialists  Pacific Retina Specialists  Pacific Retina Specialists  Bartlett Eye & Laser Clinic  Eye Associates Northwest  Northgate Eye Center  Accredited Eye Center  Northgate Eye Center  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Pacific Medical Centers  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Pacific Medical Centers  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Virginia Mason Kirkland  Northwest Vision Institute  Evergreen Eye Care  Children's Eye Care PLLC  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Clinic of University Village  Puget Sound Eye Care  UWMC Cosmetic Surgery Center  UWMC Cosmetic Surgery Center  Washington Pacific Eye Associates  Allure Laser Center & MediSpa  Allure Laser Center & MediSpa  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  Doctors Clinic  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  Doctors Clinic  Group Health Eastside Primary Care Clinic  The Children's Eye Doctors  Group Health Ophthalmology  Group Health Ophthalmology  Seattle Eye MDs  Seattle Eye MDs  Pacific Medical Centers  Howard S Barnebey MD  Richard Bensinger MD  Eye Associates Northwest  The Polyclinic Ophthalmology  Vitreoretinal Associates  Virginia Mason Seattle Main  Virginia Mason Seattle Main  Virginia Mason Seattle Main  Seattle Ophthalmology PLLC  Glaucoma Consultants  Eye Associates Northwest  Kim S Mallick MD  Neuro-Ophthalmic Consultants Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  The Polyclinic Ophthalmology Bellingham, WashingtonUpcoming Local Events2012-06-03
2012-06-16
2012-06-17
2012-06-30
2012-07-08
2012-07-28
2012-08-18
2012-08-18
2012-09-28
2012-10-08
GlaucomaWhat is glaucoma?Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light-generated nerve impulses from the retina and transmits these to the brain, where we recognize those electrical signals as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.
How common is glaucoma?Worldwide, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. In fact, as many as 6 million individuals are blind in both eyes from this disease. In the United States alone, according to one estimate, over 3 million people have glaucoma. As many as half of the individuals with glaucoma, however, may not know that they have the disease. The reason they are unaware is that glaucoma initially causes no symptoms, and the subsequent loss of side vision (peripheral vision) is usually not recognized.
What causes glaucoma?Elevated pressure in the eye is the main factor leading to glaucomatous damage to the eye (optic) nerve. Glaucoma with normal intraocular pressure is discussed below in the section on the different types of glaucoma. The optic nerve, which is located in back of the eye, is the main visual nerve for the eye. This nerve transmits the images we see back to the brain for interpretation. The eye is firm and round, like a basketball. Its tone and shape are ... Recommended Reading Related to GlaucomaDisease prevention in women overviewScreening tests are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere. Take an active role and discuss screening tests with your doctor early in life. The following charts are beneficial (generally simple and safe) screening tests that can help detect diseases and conditions before they become harmful. OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a condition with progressive loss of bone density leading to bone fractures. Estrogen is important in maintaining bone density. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, bone loss accelerates. Thus osteoporosis is most common among postmenopausal women. Screening testsMeasurement of bone density using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan DEXA bone density scanning can:
Other Related Glaucoma ArticlesEmergency Contact for Bellingham
Nearby Bellingham Hospitals *St Joseph Hospital Island Hospital United General Hospital Skagit Valley Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Glaucoma by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
22 articles-
Headache
- Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
-
Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
-
Sarcoidosis
- Sarcoidosis, a disease resulting from chronic inflammation, causes small lumps (granulomas) to develop in a great range of body tissues and can appear in almost any body organ. However, sarcoidosis most often starts in the lungs or lymph nodes.
-
Retinal Detachment
- Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying eye tissue. Symptoms of retinal detachment include flashing lights and floaters. Highly nearsighted young adults and those who've had cataract surgery are at higher risk for retinal detachment.
-
Marfan Syndrome
- Marfan syndrome is hereditary condition affecting connective tissue. A person with Marfan syndrome may exhibit the following symptoms and characteristics: dislocation of one or both lenses of the eye; a protruding or indented breastbone; scoliosis; flat feet; aortic dilatation; dural ectasia; stretch marks; hernia; and lung collapse. Though there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, there are treatments that can minimize and sometimes prevent some complications.
-
Optic Neuritis
- Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the structure that connects the eye to the brain. The precise cause of optic neuritis is unknown, but it is thought to be a type of autoimmune disorder. Optic neuritis most commonly develops due to an autoimmune disorder that may be triggered by a viral infection.
-
Cataracts
- A cataract is an eye disease that causes the eye's lens to become cloudy and opaque with decreased vision. Causes of cataracts include diabetes, hypothyroidism, certain genetic illnesses, hyperparathyroidism, atopic dermatitis, and certain medications. Symptoms and signs include a decrease in vision and a whitish color to the affected eye. Treatment depends upon the patient's specific visual needs and may involve cataract surgery.
-
Uveitis
- Uveitis is inflammation of the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness, and floating spots before the eyes. Treatment may involve prescription eyedrops, antibiotics, and wearing dark glasses.
-
Birthmark
- Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin pigmentation can cause conditions such as vitiligo, pigmentation loss, melasma, albinism, port wine stains, macular stains and hemangioma.
-
Eye Care
- Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an eye-care OTC product.
-
Blindness
- Blindness is the state of being sightless. Causes of blindness include macular degeneration, stroke, cataract, glaucoma, infection and trauma. Symptoms and signs may include eye pain, eye discharge, or the cornea or pupil turning white. Treatment of blindness depends upon the cause of the blindness.
-
Shingles and Pregnancy
- Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy could cause birth defects in your unborn child. Likewise, shingles could also cause problems for your unborn child. If you are pregnant and haven't had chickenpox, avoid exposure to infected people. Zostavax, the shingles vaccine, can reduce the incidence of shingles by half. Women should wait at least three months after receiving the vaccine before trying to get pregnant.
-
Iritis
- Iritis is inflammation of the iris, the colored portion of the eye. Symptoms include a red, painful eye, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Treatment usually involves cortisone eyedrops.
-
Diabetes and Eye Problems
- Diabetes and eye problems are generally caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Types of eye problems in a person with diabetes include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. Examples of symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye aches, pain, halos around lights, loss of vision, watering eyes. Treatment for eye problems in people with diabetes depend on the type of eye problem. Prevention of eye problems include reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and maintaining proper blood glucose levels.
-
Black Eye
- The most common cause of a black eye is due to an injury to the face or head. Most black eye injuries are minor and heal on their own, however, some may lead to significant injury. In addition to trauma to the face, cosmetic surgery can cause a black eye(s) as a side effect. People should be aware of the situations in which medical care should be sought immediately for a black eye.
-
Scleritis
- Scleritis is inflammation of the white part of the eye. It may be caused by a serious underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease. Symptoms include redness, pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, and decreased visual acuity. Treatment may include eye drops as well as treatment for any underlying disease process. Scleritis cannot be prevented.
-
Myopia
- Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes it difficult to focus on objects that are far away. The condition runs in families and occurs because light focuses in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are symptoms of myopia. The condition is diagnosed by having an eye exam and can be treated by wearing glasses or contact lenses or by having refractive surgery.
-
Coats' Disease
- eye. Read about symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Coats' disease is a rare eye condition that typically progresses to vision loss or blindness in one eye. Gradual vision loss is usually the first symptom, followed by a cloudy white or yellow pupil due to the presence of a cataract. Treatment focuses on limiting the blood vessel progression and may involve cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation.
-
Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome
- Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by port-wine stains or birthmark malformations in the skin, soft tissue and bony growths (generally involving a limb), and vascular anomalies (varicose veins). The cause of Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome is not known, however, recently, there have been some cases that run in families. There is no significant treatment for Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome.
-
Disease Prevention in Women
- Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
-
Disease Prevention in Men
- Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in your own health care and discuss screening tests with your doctor early in life. Age of screening and timing of screening depends upon the condition being assessed.
-
Farsightedness
- Farsightedness makes it difficult to focus on objects that are close up. The condition runs in families and occurs because light focuses behind the retina, instead of directly on it. Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are symptoms of farsightedness. The condition is diagnosed by having an eye exam and can be treated by wearing glasses or contact lenses or by having refractive surgery.
-
Headache
-
Medications
39 articles -
Procedures & Tests
3 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
5 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
2 articles -
Health News
14 articles -
Health Features
5 articles
