Glaucoma Treatment in Pittsburgh

Glaucoma Treatment in Pittsburgh

Don’t Let Glaucoma Rob You of Your Sight

(412) 884-2020

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. Bittel Vision Care Center - Caste Village 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 Bittel Vision Care Center - Caste Village, 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 Bittel Vision Care Center - Caste Village 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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194 Reviews
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- Nov. 09, 2024
Knowledgeable, pleasant and caring staff make each visit enjoyable.
- Nov. 03, 2024
A remarkable experience. The staff was very friendly and accommodating and even went above and beyon... d for my needs by helping me find exactly what I needed AND being so patient and understanding. Picking glasses can be so difficult! Thank you to the entire team and especially Roxanne. You truly are one of a kind and I can not thank you enough for all of your help. First rate service here!
- Oct. 29, 2024
My kids and I needed a new provider close to home for regular eye exams. We had 3 appointments sched... uled for one evening and all went very well. We saw two different doctors and both were great with my boys and daughter. The ladies in the vision center were also very friendly and helpful, as was the front desk employee. We were able to order new glasses for one of my boys relatively quickly and be on our way. If you’re looking for a place that is kid friendly and not worried about kids being anxious and antsy, this is a good spot for you. Really love the evening availability, as well, since I work and they have school during the day. No complaints. Thank you!
- Oct. 24, 2024
Doctor was very good and fast. I had to wait a while in the room though
- Sep. 27, 2024
Very friendly and on time appointments
- Sep. 20, 2024
Wonderful service! Excellent communication
- Sep. 20, 2024
I always enjoy going to Dr. Bittle's office. Everyone there is friendly and knowledgeable, and eager... to help you have a positive experience. Over the years I feel that I have gotten to know Dr. Bittle. He always remembers what is going on in my life. He is so comfortable to talk to.
- Sep. 13, 2024
Great people, warm environment, kind. Informative without being confusing or misleading. Never disap... pointed.
- Aug. 21, 2024
I will be honest and say I get more anxious for eye exams than I do for most other doctor visits. Fi... nding an office that feels inviting, comfortable, and welcoming is really important to me, and Bittel hit those marks. I had my exam done by Dr. Mehalik, and really appreciated that she took the time to answer my questions and discuss my previous issues with my vision. I didn’t feel rushed, or like just another number, and feel confident that she will work with me to find contacts that fit after a decade of hits and misses with other offices. I definitely recommend Bittel over larger chains if you’re seeking a more personalized, comforting atmosphere. Their selection of glasses is also really impressive, and other customers were leaving happy, too!
- Aug. 13, 2024
I would recommend this office to everyone. The staff is great the doctor was fantastic and I love m... y new glasses.
- Aug. 10, 2024
I have visited this location on a couple of occasions. Everyone I have encountered has been kind, kn... owledgeable, and attentive. These are professionals that do not take shortcuts, or leave questions unanswered.
- Aug. 03, 2024
The entire staff is very professional and friendly. I have been a patient for years and will continu... e to be. I had cataract surgery but for reading purposes wanted glasses. They helped me get the perfect frames!
- Jul. 18, 2024
Everyone was so friendly and efficient Very personable staff and doctors
- Jul. 10, 2024
Dr. Mehalik is very nice as are the staff. Only problem is when you try to call them, no one answer... s. What if you have an issue?
- Jun. 18, 2024
Highest recommendations for Dr. Bittel. Been here for 20 years and am a regular patient of Dr R. and... Dr M. Bittel. Very helpful in tracking a potential eye problem to ensure it is caught and treated if it worsens. Lessons the worry and stress on my part knowing they are actively monitoring to ensure it does not worsen.
- Jun. 13, 2024
Dr. Nault is a good, nice and friendly Doctor. The staff is great too.
- Jun. 07, 2024
Bittel Vision is great. The doctor Bittels are both fantastic. Everyone that works there is really n... ice and helpful. It's a good environment. I'd recommend it to anyone
- Jun. 02, 2024
Highly recommend Dr. Mehalik. She was sweet and caring while listening to concerns and using her pro... fessional opinion to get me what I needed. Thank you!
- May. 09, 2024
Excellent service, friendly and respectful staff. Roxanne is an asset to the business. Highly recom... mend.
- May. 02, 2024
I've been going to Bittel Vision for 27 years and will continue forever!!

View All 194 Reviews

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

Photograph of Robert Bittel
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

glaucoma surgery

Don’t lose sight of your future.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be controlled.

(412) 884-2020