Maintain your Vision With Advanced Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and eventually result in vision loss and blindness. Dr. Michael Ahdoot offers advanced glaucoma treatment at his Sunnyside Queens, NY, office to help you manage this chronic condition and preserve your vision.
Your vision is important to us, and you can trust Dr. Ahdoot to recommend the right treatments to maintain your ocular health and your quality of life.
What is Glaucoma?
There are different types of glaucoma, but the most common are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. In the anterior chamber of a healthy eye (the space between the iris and the inner layer of the cornea), a clear fluid flows in and out continuously in order to nourish nearby tissues and maintain a constant intraocular pressure (IOP). The fluid passes through the anterior chamber until it reaches an open angle where the cornea and iris meet. It then passes through a sponge-like screen called the trabecular meshwork and exits the eye.
In patients with open-angle glaucoma, the fluid does not drain at the proper rate, and pressure builds as a result. As pressure continues to build, it can damage the optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma can occur when the iris changes shape and consequently blocks the drainage channel. This form of glaucoma is more urgent, presenting immediate symptoms requiring prompt attention.
In patients with open-angle glaucoma, the fluid does not drain at the proper rate, and pressure builds as a result. As pressure continues to build, it can damage the optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma can occur when the iris changes shape and consequently blocks the drainage channel. This form of glaucoma is more urgent, presenting immediate symptoms requiring prompt attention.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Although open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma can both cause vision loss, other symptoms differ. Open-angle glaucoma symptoms usually include a gradual loss of peripheral vision. This often goes unnoticed and is only detected by a comprehensive ophthalmology examination and advanced glaucoma testing. Angle-closure glaucoma typically results in halos, red and painful eyes, nausea, blurred vision, and sudden changes or loss in vision.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
Dr. Ahdoot offers non-surgical and surgical treatment for patients with glaucoma:
- Prescription eye drops and oral medication can be used to reduce IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
- Argon laser trabeculoplasty may be recommended to treat open-angle glaucoma if eye drops and oral medication are not effective. The laser is applied to the drainage channels of the eye and helps them function more efficiently.
- Dr. Ahdoot can also perform selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to treat open-angle glaucoma. During this comparatively less aggressive treatment, laser energy is applied directly to the drainage tissue in the eye, restoring proper fluid drainage and reducing IOP while leaving part of the meshwork intact.
- Patients with angle-closure glaucoma can often be treated with laser peripheral iridotomy. This treatment involves using a laser to create a small opening in the iris that allows fluid to drain, reducing IOP.
- Trabeculectomy may be recommended if laser treatments are unsuccessful. It involves creating an entirely new drainage channel in the sclera (white portion of the eye), allowing fluid to exit the eye. The point of exit is covered with a tissue flap that prevents fluid from escaping too rapidly.
DO YOU HAVE GLAUCOMA AND CATARACTS?
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Contact Us Today
If you are experiencing any symptoms of glaucoma, or if you need to establish ongoing care with a leading ophthalmologist, schedule a consultation with us today. Your vision is important to us, and you can trust Dr. Ahdoot to recommend the right treatments to maintain your ocular health and your quality of life.
