Glaucoma Treatment in Fridley

Glaucoma Treatment in Fridley

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(763) 784-3997

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. Fridley Optical 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 Fridley Optical, 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 Fridley


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 Fridley Optical in Fridley 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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157 Reviews
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- Nov. 25, 2024
Very professional and courteous
- Nov. 13, 2024
Very friendly, great service the doctor and staff are very thorough to make sure you get what you... need and are 100 percent satisfied! Would recommend to anyone! Thank you Fridley optical!
- Oct. 20, 2024
Great home town personal service. Staff & Dr always professional, friendly & knowledgeable. Eyewear... reasonably priced.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Amazing staff, Super friendly
- Sep. 30, 2024
Always helpful and professional in every aspect! Been a patient/customer since 1991 and wouldn't go ... anywhere else!
- Sep. 13, 2024
Got me into a pair of glasses quickly and within my budget.
- Aug. 26, 2024
Been coming here for years,their so helpful and honest.
- Aug. 19, 2024
I have had two eye exams completed there along with two sets of glasses. Service has always impresse... d me.
- Aug. 12, 2024
Good selection for insurance frames.
- Aug. 02, 2024
I love Fridley Optical. I switched to them as my provider one year ago. I just had this year's exam ... today. I also feel in good hands with Dr. Petronack very thorough and just a nice person. The rest of the staff did an awesome job. My insurance paperwork, helping me with new frames, etc. I am proud of how they have continued on without Brad. Everyone loved Brad. I feel they have recovered well. Any business has obstacles when there is change with staff or new computer systems. But doesn't appear actual eye care and dedication from staff has changed. I definitely recommend...it is also a very calming environment.
- Jun. 17, 2024
I've been going here for years and can promise that they are the best!!
- May. 10, 2024
Excellent service, the staff super friendly.
- May. 09, 2024
Helpful and friendly. Helped me stay within budget
- May. 06, 2024
I was so impressed with the personalized care by the optometrist as well as all the staff. I will de... finitely be going back!
- Apr. 19, 2024
We’ve been getting our eye exams by Dr Petronack at Fridley Optical for years. He gives a very com... prehensive exam and is always so kind. Fridley Optical has a large selection of glasses in all price ranges. The turn around for glasses is pretty quick and usually less than the timeframe they quote me. I’m a very satisfied customer!
- Apr. 17, 2024
Very nice place to get some glasses and the staff is so friendly and helpful
- Apr. 13, 2024
Great Dr and staff!
- Apr. 13, 2024
Love Dr. P, staff are great & my kids absolutely love going to Fridley Optical. Employee’s are ver... y knowledgeable about the products they carry. Helped me find the best glasses & sunglasses for myself & children. Reasonably priced, very helpful in explain everything from the start of the appointment until the end. Would highly recommend to anyone & everyone!
- Apr. 05, 2024
I have been other places but have never had better results than Fridley Optical. Seeing is believing... !!
- Mar. 31, 2024
Great service Highly recommended

View All 157 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Fridley

Our optometry practice in Fridley

Photograph of Michael  Petronack
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Blue Cross

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(763) 784-3997