Glaucoma Treatment in Staten Island NY

Glaucoma in Staten Island NY refers to a group of eye conditions that gradually damage the optic nerve—the critical connection between your eyes and your brain. Without treatment, this damage can lead to permanent vision loss or complete blindness. Because glaucoma often develops silently and without symptoms, early diagnosis and regular eye exams at Eyes on Amboy are essential for preserving vision and managing progression.

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What Is Glaucoma in Staten Island NY?

Glaucoma is not a single disease but rather a group of eye disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve. This damage is frequently associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), though it can also occur with normal eye pressure. When IOP builds up, it compresses and damages the nerve fibers responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. Over time, this can cause peripheral vision loss and, in advanced cases, total blindness.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, especially among adults over 60.

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Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma presents in several forms, each with unique traits and risk factors. Understanding the differences is key to effective treatment:

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
  • Most common type, especially in older adults
  • Develops slowly and often without noticeable symptoms
  • Caused by clogged drainage canals, resulting in gradual pressure buildup
  • Typically detected during routine eye exams
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute Glaucoma)
  • Occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea closes suddenly
  • Triggers a rapid rise in eye pressure
  • Symptoms include eye pain, headache, nausea, and sudden vision loss
  • Requires emergency treatment to prevent lasting damage
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma
  • Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure
  • May be linked to poor blood flow or sensitivity of the optic nerve
  • Regular monitoring and careful management are essential
• Congenital Glaucoma
  • Present at birth or develops early in childhood
  • Caused by the abnormal development of eye drainage structures
  • Symptoms may include cloudy eyes, excessive tearing, and light sensitivity
  • Often treated with surgery to improve fluid drainage
• Secondary Glaucoma
  • Caused by an existing condition such as uveitis, trauma, cataracts, or diabetes
  • Can resemble open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma
  • Treatment focuses on both the underlying cause and reducing IOP
• Pigmentary Glaucoma
  • Occurs when pigment granules shed from the iris clog the drainage channels
  • More commonly diagnosed in younger adults
  • May cause blurry vision after exercise and halos around lights
• Exfoliative Glaucoma
  • Caused by the accumulation of flaky material on the lens surface
  • This debris clogs drainage channels, increasing eye pressure
  • Common in certain genetic populations and treated similarly to open-angle glaucoma
• Neovascular Glaucoma
  • Associated with abnormal blood vessel growth inside the eye
  • Often linked to conditions like diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion
  • Complex to treat and may involve a combination of medication, laser therapy, or surgery

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Symptoms of Glaucoma in Staten Island NY

Because glaucoma often develops slowly, it’s earned the nickname "the silent thief of sight." Recognizing symptoms can lead to earlier intervention:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma
  • Gradual loss of side vision
  • Tunnel vision in advanced stages
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma
  • Severe eye pain
  • Blurred vision and halos
  • Red eyes
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sudden vision changes in dim lighting
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma
  • Vision loss without increased pressure
  • Often goes unnoticed until permanent damage occurs
• Congenital Glaucoma
  • Cloudy or enlarged eyes
  • Excessive tearing
  • Light sensitivity
  • Pigmentary, Exfoliative & Neovascular Glaucoma
  • Symptoms vary but may include halos, eye pain, or progressive vision loss
  • May be detected through routine exams even before symptoms arise

If you notice any of these symptoms—or have a family history of glaucoma—schedule a full eye exam as soon as possible.

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How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing glaucoma requires a series of advanced tests performed during a comprehensive eye exam:

Eye Pressure Testing (Tonometry)
Measures intraocular pressure using tools like an air puff test or Goldmann applanation.

Optic Nerve Examination (Ophthalmoscopy)
Visual inspection of the optic nerve to look for damage or abnormal appearance.

Peripheral Vision Test (Perimetry)
Maps your visual field to identify any blind spots or reduced peripheral vision.

Drainage Angle Evaluation (Gonioscopy)
Assesses whether the angle between your iris and cornea is open or closed.

Retinal Imaging (Optical Coherence Tomography – OCT)
Uses light waves to create detailed images of the retina and optic nerve, allowing early detection of damage.

Corneal Thickness Measurement (Pachymetry)
Thinner or thicker corneas can affect IOP readings and glaucoma risk.

Additional Imaging Tests
Advanced tools like scanning laser polarimetry may be used to monitor disease progression over time.

Together, these tests allow eye doctors to determine whether glaucoma is present and which type is involved.

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Glaucoma Treatment Options

While there is no cure for glaucoma, early treatment can protect vision and prevent further nerve damage. Treatment options include:

• Prescription Eye Drops
  • Reduce fluid production or improve outflow
  • Common medications include prostaglandins, beta blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
• Oral Medications
  • Used when eye drops aren’t effective alone
  • Typically, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
• Laser Therapy
  • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) improves fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma
  • Laser Iridotomy creates a new drainage path for angle-closure glaucoma
  • Cyclophotocoagulation reduces fluid production by targeting the ciliary body
• Surgical Treatments
  • Trabeculectomy: Creates a new fluid drainage channel to lower eye pressure
  • Drainage Implants: Tubes or valves inserted to maintain proper fluid flow
  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Newer, less invasive procedures such as the iStent or Hydrus microstent offer quicker recovery times
• Lifestyle Management
  • Regular exercise (avoid high-pressure positions like headstands)
  • Eating a nutrient-rich diet
  • Wearing eye protection to prevent injury
  • Managing underlying conditions like diabetes
• Routine Monitoring
  • Consistent follow-ups with your eye care provider
  • Regular visual field testing and IOP measurement

Effective glaucoma management depends on personalized care and a long-term partnership with your eye doctor.

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Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening Today at Eyes on Amboy

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Glaucoma can cause irreversible damage before you notice vision changes. Book a comprehensive eye exam at Eyes on Amboy in Staten Island NY to catch glaucoma early and preserve your sight. Early diagnosis is the best defense.