Glaucoma Treatment in Pittsburgh

Glaucoma Treatment in Pittsburgh

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(412) 825-5300

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. Eyetique - Wilkins 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 Eyetique - Wilkins, 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 Pittsburgh


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 Eyetique - Wilkins in Pittsburgh 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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240 Reviews
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- Sep. 13, 2024
Would give 10 stars if I could! Got me in the next day, the doctor was beyond great but holy cow the... receptionist Jessica (I hope I’m remembering that correctly — worked until closing on 9/12) was amazing!! Definitely coming back in the future just for her. She stayed after closing to help me find the perfect frame, didn’t judge me for how many pair I needed to try on, and made sure I understood the cost breakdown and all that good stuff before leaving. Very happy & can’t wait to rock my new pair of glasses.
- Jul. 18, 2024
The real difference in Eyetique is in their service: (a) I didn't realize that if their glasses don'... t work for you within the first 30 days ... Eyetique replaces them at no charge. (b) The Eyetique eye exams are more accurate and more thorough than others = better seeing experience. And (c) I always allow the sales associate to pick my eyeglass solution for me - after all - they are the 'doctors' in this situation. Eyetique - I find your service amazingly undervalued ... congrats ... you are the greatest!!!
- May. 03, 2024
I love the remodel as well as the staff. They are really friendly with great customer service. I’m... also able to take my younger children there as well which is a great plus. They always make us feel welcome 🤗
- Apr. 09, 2024
Great staff fabulous/ A + product !
- Mar. 12, 2024
The young guy that helped me was awesome!
- Mar. 07, 2024
Sophia is absolutely awesome.
- Feb. 10, 2024
First time coming here. The first time was good, friendly, professional. Help me pick out my frame... s.second time I went to pick up glasses, they were an little stand off. I got an stuck up vibe from them. But other then that it was good.
- Jan. 24, 2024
Extremely welcoming staff. Dr Wooste has excellent bedside manner! 10’s across the board!
- Dec. 19, 2023
The staff at Wilkins is exceptional and spot on with suggestions. They are extremely helpful and c... ourteous, and they make you feel like family. We have been going here for years and have never had a bad experience!
- Nov. 27, 2023
My daughter and I had a great experience at Eyetique! The staff was friendly and efficient. Thank yo... u!
- Nov. 22, 2023
They remodeled since I was in last. Very nice, not cosy but crisp, professional with a stylish flare... . I f my insurance did not cover a healthy chunk for glasses would not be able to afford this place. Good docs and staff, I tell everyone I know who's looking for an eye doc or just glasses, to check this place. Pick your style, they probably have or can get. I'm getting a different color frame than was available in the style I wanted, but the color was available from the manufacturer. So I'm getting the color and shape I want. Simple but it makes me happy. And who doesn't like new glasses for the holidays?
- Oct. 27, 2023
I just went here today and every staff member was great. Never seen people work so well together to... deliver a patient needs. I never had a bad eye doctor visit but this was by far the best one. Thanks again.
- Oct. 19, 2023
My family has been going to this location for over 15 years. Everyone is very personable and patient... . Denise is wonderful and will only recommend frames that fit your face and not based off of the price. I highly recommend!
- Oct. 13, 2023
Polite and professional.
- Jun. 21, 2023
Very experienced, friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Mar. 13, 2023
The Doctor and Staff are incredibly kind and patient. They took every care to make sure my prescript... ion was right and the frames I picked looked great.
- Dec. 18, 2022
Great customer service from the person who helped me select frames.
- Dec. 11, 2022
The staff is always upbeat, friendly, and they make selecting glasses so easy!
- Dec. 05, 2022
I love my glasses and great service
- Aug. 29, 2022
Dr. Woeste and James are exceptional and the new inventory is amazing! I’ve been to many eye offic... es over the past 25 years, and this is the best in my experience! 🙂

View All 240 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Eye Med
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • VBA
  • Aetna
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(412) 825-5300