Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and affects more than 2.7 million people ages 40 and older in the United States. If you’re one of the many people needing comprehensive glaucoma treatment in NYC, Brooklyn, or the surrounding New York locations, reach out to the office of Dr. Mark Hornfeld today. Our office strives to offer a full range of ophthalmic services delivered by an exceptional medical and administrative team. One of our primary goals is to provide outstanding glaucoma treatment services by providing companionate patient care and utilizing cutting edge treatment technology. Together, we will find the right glaucoma treatment for you.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damages the eyes optic nerve and typically results in vision loss or blindness. This is significant because the optic nerve is responsible for carrying the visual signals that transmit images to your brain. Glaucoma causes the optic nerve to deteriorate, leading to a buildup of fluid and pressure on the front part of the eye that creates a series of blind spots. Glaucoma typically has no warning signs, and the effects are so gradual that they may go unnoticed until it's too late. This is why we strongly encourage our patients to schedule regular eye exams. These exams will usually include measurements of your eye pressure. If a buildup of pressure if found, you will be diagnosed, and our team will begin prompt vision correction treatment so any further loss can be slowed or prevented. There are two main kinds of glaucoma:
- Open-angle – where the drain structure of your eye appears normal but does not allow fluid to flow out as it should
- Angle-closure – where the eye does not drain correctly due to the drain space between your iris and cornea becoming too narrow
The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Prompt detection and management of this condition is crucial in preventing further damage to your vision.
Glaucoma Treatment
With early detection and treatment, you can combat the adverse effects of glaucoma and often protect your eyes against severe vision impairments. Glaucoma treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition. Prompt diagnoses and treatment of glaucoma is the best way to delay progressions of the disease and may require a combination of treatments. The different treatment options our office offers for patients with glaucoma include:
- Medication – Medications in the form of eye drops or pills are the most common early-treatment options for patients with glaucoma. Taken regularly, these eye drops can lower eye pressure, whereas medications can cause the eye to drain more efficiently or create less fluid altogether.
- Laser trabeculoplasty – This surgery option is for those people with open-angle glaucoma and helps to drain fluid from the eye effectively. For this treatment method, a high-intensity beam of light will be aimed through the lens of your eye and reflected onto the mesh inside your eye. The laser will make several evenly spaced burns that will, in turn, stretch the drainage holes in your eye's meshwork, allowing the fluid the drain better.
- Laser iridotomy – This surgery is for people with angle-closure glaucoma. We will use a laser to create a tiny hole in the iris that will help fluid flow to the drainage angle.
- Conventional surgery (trabeculectomy) – Trabeculectomy is the act of removing a small piece of tissue from the white of your eye to create new openings for the fluid to drain, thus reducing pressure.
- Glaucoma drainage devices – Our team will implant a tiny drainage tube in your eye that sends the fluid to a collection area. The fluid is then absorbed into nearby blood vessels.
While these treatments are efficient at saving a person’s remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma. That’s why we stress the importance of preventative eye health and early diagnosis through regular visits.
Don’t Wait! Consult with Dr. Mark Hornfeld Today
Though you can rely on Dr. Hornfeld and our team for comprehensive glaucoma treatment, the success of the treatment is a joint effort between patient and doctor. We will prescribe you the proper forms of treatment, but it is up to you to use your eye drops or take your medications for adequate vision correction. Once you are taking your medications for glaucoma, we will want to see you regularly so we can effectively monitor your condition. You can expect to visit our office every 3–6 months, though this will vary depending on your treatment needs.
If you’re over the age of 40 and have a family history of eye disease, you should schedule a complete eye exam with us as soon as possible. We offer free phone consultations, and our office would be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you're an NYC or Brooklyn, NY resident looking for exceptional glaucoma treatment options, don't wait to get the care you need and deserve. Give us a call today!
