Affecting an estimated three million Americans, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. today. Glaucoma often results in optic nerve damage, usually from an abnormally high pressure inside the eye. Left untreated, glaucoma can result in decreased peripheral vision and, ultimately, loss of sight. Using specialized treatment and care, the doctors at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland work with their patients to minimize the effects of this disease.
The best way to detect glaucoma, of which there are several types, is through regular, comprehensive eye examinations by a qualified eyecare professional. (A glaucoma screening that checks only the pressure of the eye is not sufficient – the only sure way to detect glaucoma is to have a complete eye examination.) There is no cure for glaucoma, but with early diagnosis and skilled care, the disease can be managed. Most glaucoma patients require only medication to control eye pressure.
At EMG, physicians Samuel P. Solish, MD, and Robert W. Daly, MD, specialize in treating glaucoma. Both doctors graduated from leading fellowship programs in glaucoma as part of their extensive training, and Dr. Solish is one of the few ophthalmologists in the country with a practice dedicated to glaucoma.
Tracking the advances in glaucoma treatment is a priority for EMG physicians. For their glaucoma patients, extra effort is made to bring to Maine the latest technology and techniques for treatment -- from optic nerve imaging devices like Heidelberg Retinal Tomography and Ocular Coherence Tomography, to the latest software for interpreting visual fields – along with the latest surgical advances in care.
“No advancement in glaucoma treatment escapes our notice. We’re determined that our patients have access to the best,” said EMG’s Dr. Daly.
This specialization in treatment and focus on multiple options for care are not the only reasons patients come to EMG.
“The doctors really break everything down for you – they keep you well-informed, tell you the ‘why’ and the logic behind what they're doing,” said David Jordan of Thomaston, a glaucoma patient of Dr. Solish. “The doctor has been a real warrior when it comes to fighting this, and honestly, the entire staff is just crackerjack.”
Jordan, who has been battling glaucoma since 1997, says that the advances in surgery have greatly improved his condition, but that it's an ongoing battle – one that he could not fight without the personal care of Dr. Solish and the EMG staff.
“He’s really my hero, Dr. Solish, and I know he doesn’t do it on his own. His assistants, the anesthesiologist, everyone just really takes good care of you”, said Jordan. “And they are so accommodating. You can call at any time, they’re responsive. Dr. Solish takes the time to call you back himself, which is important.”
Dr. Solish believes that gaining knowledge, for both physician and patient, is an important part of fighting glaucoma.
“Glaucoma is usually silent until it is very advanced”, he noted. “So we are focused on helping our patients understand what is happening to their vision, on understanding how glaucoma is diagnosed and treated so both the disease and – just as important – the fear associated with this vision-threatening disease, can be alleviated.”