Understanding Glaucoma: Protecting Your Vision
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Early detection and treatment are essential to preserving vision and preventing further damage. At Ophthalmology Associates of Queens in Astoria, NY, Dr. Chad Haller provides expert care for patients with glaucoma, offering advanced solutions to manage the condition and support long-term eye health.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing intraocular pressure and damaging the optic nerve. This damage can lead to gradual vision loss, starting with peripheral vision and potentially progressing to total blindness if left untreated. While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors—such as age, family history, diabetes, and high eye pressure—increase the risk.
There are several types of glaucoma, with open-angle glaucoma being the most common. This form develops slowly and painlessly, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection. Angle-closure glaucoma, in contrast, can develop suddenly and is considered a medical emergency.
How Glaucoma Is Treated
At Ophthalmology Associates of Queens, Dr. Chad Haller begins with a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate intraocular pressure, optic nerve health, and overall vision. If glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment aims to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage.
Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, or laser therapy to improve fluid drainage. Laser treatments are a key part of glaucoma care, helping reduce pressure safely and effectively without invasive surgery. In more advanced cases, surgical options may be recommended to create new drainage pathways and preserve vision.
While we do not perform LASIK, our clinic uses lasers to treat glaucoma and also to remove the cloudy film (posterior capsule opacification) that can develop after cataract surgery.
Two laser treatments and one surgery may be recommended at different stages in the treatment of glaucoma: Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and glaucoma surgery.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
This preventative technique is used to preempt the occurrence of a glaucoma attack. During an eye examination, an eye doctor may notice that the angle in the eye appears to be too narrow. A narrow angle tends not to drain properly and can lead to a build up of fluid and pressure, a precursor to glaucoma. In LPI, a laser is used to place a tiny opening in the iris in order to improve drainage. The treatment requires no sutures and is handled on a same day, outpatient basis. The patient is required to use anti-inflammatory eye drops for approximately one week following the treatment. LPI has a very high success rate.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT is used for patients who have already been diagnosed with glaucoma and for whom eye pressure remains too high even after trying treatments with various eye drops. During the treatment, a laser is applied to heat up certain portions of the tissue. This process stretches the pores and opens up the outflow channels for fluid, which decreases eye pressure.
SLT is a same day, outpatient procedure that causes minimal discomfort. A topical anesthetic is administered in the eye prior to the treatment. Then a clear lens is placed on the eye to help focus light. The patient experiences approximately 30 to 40 flashes of light while the laser is applied. The treatment takes about ten minutes per eye and patients usually go home after another hour. Anti-inflammatory eye drops are administered for approximately one week following the treatment. Any reduction in IOP is seen within the first four weeks following the procedure. The success rate for SLT is approximately 75%.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re concerned about glaucoma or it’s time for your routine eye exam, Ophthalmology Associates of Queens in Astoria, NY, is here to help. Dr. Chad Haller offers trusted, personalized care to manage glaucoma and protect your vision for the long term. Call us at (718) 728-0224 to schedule your consultation today.