Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve of the eye, which is responsible for the delivery of visual signals from the eye to the visual processing centers of the brain. Glaucoma causes a slow loss of the nerve fibers that comprise the optic nerve, resulting in the development of a black spot in the vision. Glaucoma is an asymptomatic disease that can cause a slow and progressive loss of vision if untreated. Diagnosing Glaucoma requires an extensive eye examination that includes a visual field test to identify any suspicious symptoms affecting the optic nerve or the loss of an area of the visual field.

Although Glaucoma may develop at any age, it is more commonly seen in patients over 60 years old. African-American patients have a higher risk of developing Glaucoma and can develop it at a younger age. A family history of Glaucoma and higher intraocular pressure (pressure of the eye) are important risk factors. The average range of intraocular pressure is between 10 and 21; however, Glaucoma can develop in this average range.

Although there is no cure for Glaucoma, there are excellent therapies that can help slow the disease progression. Glaucoma can be treated with different eye medications and laser treatments, which are painless and are performed in the office. For some patients, drops and lasers are not enough to control the Glaucoma and surgery may be performed. The Glaucoma surgical procedures, either a trabeculectomy (Trab) or a tube shunt, are performed in the operating room. Each procedure creates a new outflow path to help lower the eye pressure. The goal of Glaucoma therapy is to slow or stop the progression of optic nerve and visual field damage. Early detection, treatment and close monitoring of the disease can help prevent many patients from developing symptomatic visual loss.

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We are pleased to announce that Dr. Heather Nesti, MD, Dr. Luke Chang, MD, and Dr. Gaurav Srivastava, MD, are now offering iDose® TR (travoprost intraocular implant) 75 mcg as a new treatment option for patients with ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. iDose TR is a new, FDA approved treatment that is designed to provide long duration, continuous drug therapy directly inside the eye, helping patients take better control over the elevated eye pressure associated with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

iDose TR may be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty adhering to a daily medication regimen or whose condition is uncontrolled on topical glaucoma medications. iDose TR is currently only covered by Medicare.

An eye exam is the first step in detecting Glaucoma. Make your appointment today by calling 1-877-DR4-2020 or click here to schedule an appointment.