Glaucoma Treatment in Buffalo, NY
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60, which is why it’s especially important for older adults to schedule regular eye exams and receive a diagnosis early on. Although the damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed, with the help of various treatment options it can often be prevented from worsening. We specialize in glaucoma treatment in Buffalo, NY, assisting you in controlling this condition and preserving your vision for years to come.
The eye has a complex drainage system that creates a balance between fluids produced in the eye and fluids leaving the eye. Eye pressure builds when a blockage in this drainage system prevents fluids from escaping properly, resulting in a condition called glaucoma.
There are two types of glaucoma:
Glaucoma can often show no symptoms until vision damage has already occurred. That’s why it is important to be evaluated and diagnosed as early as possible. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
Glaucoma treatment works to reduce eye pressure by decreasing the amount of fluids the eye creates, removing blockages in the drainage system, or creating a new drainage system. Our doctors will work with you to determine the treatment that will offer the best protection against further damage to your vision. Treatment may include:
Glaucoma is usually controlled with eyedrop medicine. Used every day, these eye drops lower eye pressure. Some do this by reducing the amount of aqueous fluid the eye makes. Others reduce pressure by helping fluid flow better through the drainage angle. Your doctor at Ophthalmology Associates of Western New York will guide you on the use of eye drops and any potential side effects.
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Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) surgery is for people who have open-angle glaucoma. The eye surgeon uses a laser to make the drainage angle work better. That way fluid flows out properly and eye pressure is reduced. Your doctor will help you determine the proper glaucoma procedure, including SLT laser therapy to treat your condition.
Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS, covers a group of glaucoma surgeries that reduce eye pressure – and potential damage to the optic nerve – while avoiding the complications of other major surgeries like trabeculectomy and shunts. MIGS microscopic equipment and very small incisions to reduce the eye pressure caused by glaucoma. A custom glaucoma treatment in Buffalo, NY will help you assess the effectiveness and complications to any glaucoma surgery, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries.
Choose an instructional video below to learn more about glaucoma. You can discuss your options for glaucoma treatment with your doctor at Ophthalmology Associates of Western New York.