The gift of sight is a true blessing. Imagine instead looking down a dark tunnel struggling to see what is at the end. Unfortunately, there are those that experience life in just this way. What’s even more alarming is that many do not even realize it. There are those that become visually challenged, or limited, and are not aware of it as sometimes the limitations are peripheral (vision loss on the sides of your visual field.) That is why Glaucoma is nicknamed the “The Sneak Thief of Sight”. The permanent visual loss is due to the fact that Glaucoma is a neurologic eye disease, as most neurological diseases are irreversible and remain untreated. In a simplified explanation – Glaucoma is due to damage to the optic nerve commonly caused by high pressures within the eye. The optic nerve is responsible for your range of vision. The eye produces nutritious fluid (aqueous) for itself that passes throughout the eye & out of the angles or drains of the eye to. When this fluid builds up excessively it causes elevated pressure.

There are many treatment options available in New York and ophthalmologists in Westchester who can offer treatment options. Additionally, there are ophthalmologists that are glaucoma specialists in Westchester for those that desire specialty care.

The old standard for initial treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma was through medication such as eye drops or oral medications. Eye drops which control eye pressure are usually the most effective for pressure related glaucoma. However, long term usage of these medications can sometimes be wrought with many problems. Issues ranging from: 1) Potential systemic and ocular sides effects; 2) Allergies to the medication and preservatives within; 3) Ineffectiveness of certain medications for particular patients; 4) The need to prescribe multiple eye medications for an effect; 5) Costliness of monthly medications over years; 6) Inconvenience and 7) Difficulty in remembering and instilling the eye drops throughout the day.

However, apart from eye medications there are other options in treatment for glaucoma. There is Laser Treatment for Glaucoma. Treatments can be targeted for Laser Surgery to control eye pressure (Laser Trabeculaplasty) and even Laser Treatment to open Closed or Narrow Angles/Drains.

Laser Treatment for eye pressure in Open Angle Glaucoma is performed as a stand-alone therapy or as an additive to current eye medications when the pressure is not at therapeutic levels. Oftentimes in mild or moderate glaucoma, or in elevated eye pressure (ocular hypertension) the glaucoma laser surgery can serve to replace eye drops all together.

In glaucoma laser surgery, a small beam of laser energy is directed at the drain in the eye. The energy in turn activates the drain to function properly on its own. The laser is directed to angles or the drainage network of the eye. This can be done in one or a few applications. In those that are responsive to pressure reduction, the effect can be permanent or temporary. If temporary, the procedure can be reapplied. With laser surgery for eye pressure there may be some mild discomfort and light sensitivity but it’s relatively painless. Eye irritation or temporary blurriness usually resolves itself by following day. In rare cases, there can be an initial pressure spike that quiets down with additional drops. Fortunately for patients, most all these symptoms are of temporary nature and go away.

So next time you go for your eye checkup in Westchester for your glaucoma make sure you find an ophthalmologist who is knowledgeable about glaucoma and can offer you laser treatment options or direct you to receive your comprehensive options.

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