At the Glaucoma Service at the University Eye Hospital Würzburg, we offer comprehensive approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts, whether primary or secondary to complex eye problems, in patients of all ages. We provide the latest medical treatments, laser therapies and surgical procedures. We provide new, minimally invasive glaucoma procedures that are bleb-free. We have very comprehensive experience with trabectome surgery and published extensively on our outcomes.

We strive to deliver them with the utmost respect, empathy and professionalism. We are able to council you on participation in recent studies. We thrive to improve the lives of all glaucoma patients through research and training of the next generation of specialists.

The glaucoma section is led by Nils Loewen, MD, PhD, who is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Würzburg. Until April 2019, he was an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh. At the UPMC Eye Center, he was the Director of the Glaucoma and Cataract Section, the Director of Electronic Health Records and the Director of the Glaucoma Fellowship.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma leads to increasing and permanent damage in the peripheral and central visual field. It is caused by an intraocular pressure that is relatively too high for the optic nerve of the affected eye. It can affect one or both eyes. Left untreated it can lead to blindness. There are several types of glaucoma, with open-angle glaucoma being the most common form. There are no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms occur, significant damage may have already occurred. Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. You are more likely to be diagnosed with glaucoma if you have a family member with glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

During your visit, we determine your best visual acuity, your intraocular pressure, your visual field and retinal nerve fiber layer by optical coherence tomography (OCT). You will get dilated for a comprehensive fundus exam and stereo view of the optic nerve. These examinations can take several hours and are usually repeated every six months. 

How is Glaucoma Treated?

A typical approach to lowering intraocular pressure is 1) stimulation of the drainage system of the eye (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)), 2) reduction of fluid or outflow enhancement using eye drops and 3) surgical improvement of outflow. 

Link: Eye Clinic of the University of Würzburg 

Appointments: +49 (0) 931-20120351

Address: Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080 Würzburg

E-Mail: loewen_n1@ukw.de