Are you experiencing blurry vision or eye pain or seeing halos around lights? At NJ Eye and Ear LASIK Center, Dr. Jimmy Hu, our board-certified ophthalmologist, offers expert glaucoma treatment to protect your vision. With advanced technology and personalized care, we’ll help manage your condition and preserve your eye health.
Overview
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, and it’s caused by increased eye pressure. If untreated, it can lead to vision loss and is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. While there’s no cure, glaucoma treatment focuses on reducing eye pressure to prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of glaucoma, your treatment options include medicated eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery. At NJ Eye and Ear LASIK Center, Dr. Hu provides personalized care to manage glaucoma and safeguard your vision.
Glaucoma Treatment Treats:
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Seeing halos around lights
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Frequent headaches associated with eye pressure
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Your Glaucoma Treatment Options
Overview
Your journey to managing glaucoma begins with a thorough eye exam and precise diagnosis. Dr. Hu evaluates your eye health, measures intraocular pressure, and assesses the extent of optic nerve damage. Using his expertise and advanced technology, he creates a personalized treatment plan to protect your vision and prevent further damage.
Eye Drops
Medicated eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma and are formulated to effectively lower intraocular pressure (IOP). These drops work in one of two ways: by reducing the amount of fluid your eye naturally produces or by improving fluid drainage from the eye. Hu will carefully select the best medication for you and provide guidance on proper use to ensure maximum effectiveness. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor your progress.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive laser procedure that improves the outflow of fluid from the eye, thereby reducing IOP. SLT targets the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s natural drainage system, using low-energy laser pulses to enhance drainage without causing damage. The procedure is quick, performed in-office, and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye. SLT is a safe and painless alternative or supplement to eye drops.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) effectively reduces pressure with minimal trauma to the eye. MIGS procedures involve creating tiny incisions and using micro-stents or devices to enhance the natural outflow of fluid. These methods avoid the more invasive methods used in traditional glaucoma surgery, resulting in faster recovery, fewer complications, and a lower risk of side effects. MIGS is especially suitable for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma or those undergoing cataract surgery who also need glaucoma treatment.
Benefits of Glaucoma Treatment:
- Preserves vision by preventing further optic nerve damage
- Reduces intraocular pressure to a safe, manageable level
- Slows or halts the progression of glaucoma
- Minimally invasive options with faster recovery times
- Non-surgical alternatives, such as eye drops and laser procedures
- Customizable treatment plans tailored to your needs
- Long-term solutions to protect against vision loss
Glaucoma Treatment FAQs
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry), assessing the optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy), and testing peripheral vision (visual field testing). Additional tests, such as corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry) and advanced imaging of the optic nerve (OCT), may be performed to determine the severity of the condition and monitor progression over time.
Is Glaucoma Curable?
Glaucoma is not curable, but it is manageable with proper treatment. The goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are critical to preventing significant vision loss.
Who is at Higher Risk for Glaucoma?
Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including a family history of the condition, age (over 60), being of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent, having high intraocular pressure, or having other medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. If you have risk factors, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Jimmy Hu is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in cornea and refractive surgery from the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. Known for his expertise, advanced techniques, and patient-centered care, Dr. Hu provides personalized glaucoma treatment to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life. Schedule your consultation today to explore your glaucoma treatment options and protect your vision.
