GLAUCOMA

The Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science provides evaluation, medical and surgical treatment for glaucoma and staffs a research program dedicated to the discovery of new therapies to treat glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can gradually steal vision and lead to blindness if not detected early. It is a disease that affects the pressure within the eye which can damage the optic nerve. Although many people diagnosed with glaucoma have elevated pressures, there are many with the disease who have normal eye pressures. Risk factors for the disease include age (over 50 years), ethnic background (African American and Hispanic) and family history. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in America.

Through early treatment and management of the disease using eye drops, laser treatment and conventional surgery, our specialists can help prevent vision loss. With the use of state-of-the-art imaging equipment such as the OCT3, our physicians can identify glaucomatous changes in the back of the eye and plan effective treatment. Management of the disease also includes regular clinical exams at which time peripheral field tests, gonioscopy and optic nerve evaluations are performed.

The Department works with the Friends of the Glaucoma Caucus Foundation in New York to provide local glaucoma screenings for patients who are in need of this service. We offer three screenings per month in Tucson at no charge, and occasionally travel to other cities to provide screenings. Upcoming screening dates will be regularly posted on our website. Patients may call (520) 694-1471 to make a screening appointment.

Glaucoma Screening Dates

Outpatient Ophthalmology Clinic at UPH Hospital at Kino
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesdays)

2800 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713

      September 3, 2008
      October 29, 2008
      November 5, 2008
      November 19, 2008
      December 3, 2008

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Health Center
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturdays)

140 W. Speedway #100, Tucson, AZ 85705

      September 20, 2008
      October 18, 2008
      November 15, 2008