Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases caused by increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve. This nerve sends messages from your retina to your brain so you can see. High blood pressure can also damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma often has no symptoms, and there is no cure, but if it is caught early, it can be treated and controlled. That is why regular eye exams are so important. Glaucoma often runs in families and is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. There are two main forms of glaucoma. With "open-angle” (chronic) glaucoma, you may notice a loss of peripheral vision. “Closed-angle" (acute) glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you notice severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, visual disturbances and reddening of your eye, get help immediately.

Discover Our Difference

University of Minnesota Health ophthalmology specialists are some of the best in the United States. While there are only a handful of providers in Minnesota who specialize in treating glaucoma, two are right here at the university: Jess Boysen, MD, and Martha Wright, MD. Our ophthalmologists provide the full spectrum of expertise, from general ophthalmology to oculoplastic surgery, using sophisticated diagnostic techniques and equipment to determine the extent of your condition. Some of the diagnostic tools they might use include a tonometer to measure pressure in your eye, a pachymeter to measure your central corneal thickness, a computerized visual field test, ophthalmoscopy, imaging technology and gonioscopy to view the trabecular meshwork.

Because glaucoma is not curable, it is a disease that must be managed over the course of your lifetime. Our ophthalmologists work with a multidisciplinary team to provide you with comprehensive, compassionate care throughout the course of your disease. Your treatments may be as simple as using eye drops. If your physician believes advanced therapies are needed, the university provides a variety of surgical options, from minimally invasive glaucoma surgery to general surgery or laser treatments. Our physicians also continue to perform leading-edge research in collaboration with scientists at the Masonic Cancer Center. Our goal is to provide you with the best combination of research and medicine to address your individual medical needs. Ask your physician about participating in a clinical study.