Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects approximately 3 million Americans and over 120,000 will go blind from this disease. Glaucoma ranks as a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Even if it does not cause blindness, it can severely impair vision.
There are often no warning signs of glaucoma. About half of Americans with chronic glaucoma don’t know they have it. Glaucoma gradually reduces the peripheral vision ultimately resulting in tunnel-like vision. Once vision is lost, it cannot be regained.
What Causes Glaucoma?
What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a culmination of three factors: increased intraocular pressure which causes permanent damage to optic nerve head, which results in loss of visual field. Early detection and treatment are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.
Clear liquid, called the aqueous humor, circulates inside the eye. The eye is constantly producing a small amount of this fluid and an equal amount flows out of the eye through a microscopic drainage system. (This liquid is not part of the tears on the outer surface of the eye.)
The process of acquits humor production and draining is analogous to a bathtub with the drain open and faucet turned on all the time. If the faucet is flowing faster than the water is draining from the tub, the tub will overflow. In the eye, if the rate of aqueous formation in the eye supposes the rate at which the aqueous drains, the pressure in the eye (the intraocular pressure) will increase. A high pressure in the eye can result in chronic damage to the optic nerve head.
Types of Glaucoma
There are two major types of glaucoma: open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma.
Open Angle Glaucoma
Chronic open angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States and occurs as a result of again changes and “narrowing” of the draining system of the eye. While the drainage system is still open, or patent, the rate at which the fluid is drained is greatly diminished. As the drainage system losses efficiency, the pressure within the eye gradually increases and causes progressive damage to the optic nerve. There are very few symptoms associated with chronic open-angle glaucoma. Peripheral vision is lost so gradually and painlessly that the patient is often not aware of any changes until the optic nerve is already badly damaged.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
In contrast to chronic open angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma is due to a complete blockage either acutely, over a period of hours-to-days, of chronically, over years. A sudden, complete closure of the drainage apparatus of the eye causes an acute increase in intraocular pressure and results in symptoms of blurred vision, severe eye pain, headache, rainbows and halos around lights, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
An ophthalmologist must evaluate each patient to determine the status of the angle and the function of the drainage system of the eye. They will then suggest a specific form of treatment.
The progression of glaucoma can be monitored through serial measurements of intraocular pressure, as well as through monitoring visual fields and with specialized measurements of the optic nerve head.
While damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, eye drops, pills, lasers, and surgical operations can be used to prevent and slow the progression of glaucoma.
Eye Consultants of Silicon Valley
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GREAT
- SALLY C
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Very rewarding experience. I know how my eye is healing and the status of my general eye health.
- Edward H
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Staff is very attentive. MD's are great. All questions were answered, they provided good information, were patient and not in a hurry to move along. The care received was terrific and provided immediately. I needed a laser procedure and it was performed at that initial visit. I have a lot of confidence in your office.
- Robert V
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I came in without a appointment and they processed me immediately, which I really appreciated. I had an eye problem which the doctor resolved. They deserve my thumbs up recommendation. They get my thanks.
- Joseph O
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The only place that was able to help me in a timely, affordable and professional manner. Thank you so much!
- Russell H
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Had an excellent visit with Dr. Rutti. The Technician/Assistant was just terrific. Very knowledgeable, courteous, FRIENDLY, and very professional.
- Irene P
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After years of successful dealings with Dr. Carey's excellent Optician, Faranak Kamkar, I made the mistake of trying to order glasses online in response to a promotional offer. I had nothing but difficulties, and the glasses--when they eventually got to me--had one lens popped out and a screw missing from the other side! Faranak was nothing but gracious, helpful, and professional, as she always has been, even though I had purchased the glasses elsewhere, and repaired the online provider's botched order with a smile. Seriously, there are some things that just should not be attempted online. I will continue to value my long-standing relationship with Faranack and Carey Vision and cannot recommend them highly enough. I am a business and management professional and have come to value high quality customer service even more than most. I am confident you will not be disappointed with them!
- Stan M
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Dr Carey and his staff are highly qualified and extremely professional. I would definitely recommend them to anyone interested in getting the best possible care for their eyes. I have treated with Dr Carey for many years following Lasik surgery, and he has always been excellent.
- Pam P
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Great doctors and staff. I've been a patient of Dr. Carey since the late '80s
- Tim L
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This is definitely the place to entrust the care of your eyes to. Dr. Carey is a very carrying physician, well qualified in his field. His staff are wonderful professionals, always greet the patients with a smile, are vert accommodating to patients; great people. I feel so blessed to have these people taking care of one of my precious position, my eye sight. Will never go anywhere else.
- Angela A
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I was in pain and in dire need of seeing a doctor because of an eye infection, and Dr. Carey's staff fit me in that day. Dr. Carey put me at ease and was very professional but also very personable. I was 100% better within two days, and I couldn't be more pleased with the service at Carey Vision. My husband and I both need a new glasses prescription also, and we'll definitely go back to Dr. Carey for our eye exams. Dr. Carey is great!
- Sharon H
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Dr Carey and his team are the best!! Yearly eye exams and emergency visit for a optical migraine are handled promptly and professionally. Thorough eye health check up with attention to detail on all previous history and concerns. Five stars rating at all levels!!
- Yogesh K
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Both my wife and I have had Dr. Bart Carey and his team assist us with our cataract surgeries and we could not be any happier with the process and the results. Dr. Carey and his team are very professional and treat you like family to ensure you get the best, best treatment. The visit to his office in San Jose prior to our surgeries were handled by his great group, Individuals like Carey, Shaun, Donovan, Angela, Jeni, and the ladies that work the front desk are a joy to work with and very helpful with getting you through the necessary things leading up to the surgery itself. My wife has had two cataract surgeries with Dr. Carey and I look forward to my next one down the road. You can bet I will be going back to Carey Vision Medical Group to have the surgery done.
- Barbera P
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I am just rounding out my month which included the insertion of tear duct plugs for extremely dry eyes and two cataract surgeries in two week increments. This is the first time in 55 years that I have been without glasses. I know I will require a slight prescription for reading but that is a small inconvenience for the end results of my surgeries. Along with the problems that the cataracts can cause, I also was extremely near sighted with an astigmatism that was corrected with the type of lenses (Toric) that Dr. Carey suggested were the best option in my case. I got the mono-focal lenses which corrects one eye for far vision and one eye for near vision. I was very impressed on the amount of time that Dr. Carey spent on insuring that I got the best results possible. I have had hip replacement, knee replacement and various other smaller surgical procedures and have never had the kind of care, attention, and follow-up that Dr. Carey and his staff provided me before and after my cataract surgeries. This was particularly comforting because you do not want an eye surgeon to make any errors when it comes to your vision. As for the wait times...Yes... you will in most cases have to wait between 30 minutes - 3 hours. Again, a small price to pay when you realize that Dr. Carey and his staff do not rush you through your appointments. I did a lot of research on cataract surgeries and my options. Dr. Carey was very patient and answered all my questions. My 3 hour appointment was due primarily to getting my eyes to dilate appropriately before Dr. Carey saw me. I just made sure that I allowed enough time and never expected to rush in and out. The other option is to go to a practice that you are allotted 20 minutes, in and out, doctor barely speaks to you, and your head is spinning when you walk out...and you still don't know what's going on with your health... Prior to my surgery date, Dr. Carey's staff clearly outlined the out of pockets costs associated with the laser surgery and Toric lenses that were used. Neither of these are covered by insurance and patients that cannot afford these out of pocket expenses are given other options to choose from. All other medical expenses are covered by insurance. His staff also gave you clear instructions on what is required Pre and Post surgery right down to creating an eye drop chart to follow when administering eye drops. Depending on the type of prescription insurance you have, the eye drops can be very expensive. My copay alone was over $200 for three different types of eye drops. If you opt for the laser surgery, the Surgery Center at the Willow Pavilion at El Camino Hospital is where Dr. Carey does the surgery. The staff at the Surgery Center are friendly and efficient and well versed in what their responsibilities entail. I checked in at 6:30am, taken into the back room within 15 minutes of my arrival. Your IV gets started, you meet the anesthesiologist who explains that you will be lightly medicated. The only thing your brain registers is a "light show" of colors throughout the procedure. I think both of my procedures began with the laser procedure around 8:15am followed by the lens insertion. I walked out the door by 9:30am each time. I highly recommend Dr. Carey and his staff for their professional demeanor and expertise.
- Marsha S
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4 reviews 5.0 star rating 4/25/2017 I found Dr. Carey's off ice staff very efficient with a brief wait and very courteous. Dr. Carey was very patient, not rushed, and explained the diagnosis clearly as well as going into detail in explaining the recommended treatment. An assistant, Shawn was very professional and effective putting me at ease. This appointment was a very pleasant experience.
- Sheryl W
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Awesome service. I was hit by a golf ball from 30 feet away. Fourteen stitches and lots of eye damage. It was a devastating injury. The staff was very considerate of my situation, as well as the doctors who gave me their utmost attention. I am very grateful for all the staff and doctors that took care of me! I was seen daily for a week and a half... never waited more than 10 minutes. Truly a blessing to have them. Thank you Everyone!
- Michelle C
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