Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma Treatment in Union, NJ
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eye to your brain. It often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams important even when your vision seems unchanged.
For glaucoma treatment in Union, NJ, Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center provides care for patients throughout Union County and surrounding New Jersey communities. Treatment aims to protect remaining vision by reducing the risk of further damage.
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Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | Glaucoma Care | Insurance Accepted
What Is Glaucoma, and What Symptoms Can It Cause?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that injures the optic nerve and can cause lasting vision loss. Symptoms depend on the type of glaucoma and how much damage has occurred.
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, usually develops gradually. Early on, you may have no discomfort or noticeable change in sight. As damage progresses, blind spots can develop in your peripheral, or side, vision.
Angle-closure glaucoma involves blockage of the eye’s drainage area. It may develop slowly without early symptoms or cause a sudden attack.
Sudden blurred vision
Severe eye pain
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Rainbow-colored rings around lights
These sudden symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma risk is influenced by eye pressure, age, family history and other health factors. Problems with fluid drainage can raise pressure inside the eye, although glaucoma can also occur at normal pressure levels.
Risk factors include:
Older age or
a family history of glaucoma
African, Hispanic or Asian heritage
High eye pressure or
a thin central cornea
Previous eye injury or
long-term steroid use
Nearsightedness
or farsightedness
Diabetes, high blood pressure
or poor circulation
When Should You Seek Care?
Regular examinations are important even if you have no symptoms, especially when you have risk factors for glaucoma.
If you develop sudden severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos or nausea, contact an ophthalmologist immediately or go to an emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
How Eye Pressure and Optic Nerve Damage Are Connected
Pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve, but glaucoma is not diagnosed by pressure alone. Understanding fluid drainage helps explain why pressure may rise and why a complete examination matters.
Fluid Production and Drainage
The front of your eye contains a clear fluid called aqueous humor. Your eye continually produces this fluid, which normally leaves through a drainage area where the iris and cornea meet. This fluid is different from the tears on your eye’s surface.
Pressure and Nerve Damage
When drainage cannot keep up with fluid production, pressure inside the eye can increase. That pressure can damage the nerve fibers responsible for carrying visual signals to the brain.
Why Pressure Alone Is Not Enough
Some people develop glaucoma even when their pressure falls within the normal range. Others have elevated pressure without detectable nerve damage. Examining the optic nerve and checking side vision help determine whether glaucoma is present or developing.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed and Treated?
Glaucoma evaluation requires more than an eye-pressure measurement. A complete eye examination assesses the optic nerve, vision and structures involved in fluid drainage.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Depending on your needs, a glaucoma evaluation may include:
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Measuring pressure inside the eye
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Examining the optic nerve and documenting its appearance
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Testing peripheral vision for blind spots
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Inspecting the eye’s drainage angle
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Measuring corneal thickness
Comparing findings over time helps your ophthalmologist identify changes that may require treatment or a different management plan.
Treatment and Ongoing Management
Treatment depends on the type of glaucoma, the examination findings and your response to care. General approaches include:
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Prescription eye drops: Lower pressure by reducing fluid production or improving drainage.
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Laser treatment: Certain procedures help fluid drain more effectively; the approach depends on the glaucoma type.
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Surgery: Selected procedures create or support drainage pathways to lower pressure.
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Regular monitoring: Follow-up examinations check pressure, optic-nerve health and vision for changes.
Important to Know
Treatment cannot restore vision already lost to glaucoma. Its purpose is to limit further damage. Use prescribed medication as directed, report side effects and speak with your ophthalmologist before changing or stopping it.
Glaucoma Treatment in Union, NJ
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center offers glaucoma care for patients in Union, New Jersey. Dr. Haberman is a board-certified ophthalmologist. Whether you have a diagnosis, elevated eye pressure or concerns about your family history, you can schedule an appointment to have your eye health evaluated.
Understanding your examination findings is an important part of ongoing care. Your treatment and follow-up needs depend on your eye health and whether changes develop over time.
Visit Excel Eye Care in Union
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center
2333 Morris Avenue, Suite C-103
Union, NJ 07083
908-688-4000
Serving Union, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities.