Glaucoma Treatment in New Jersey
We are a comprehensive ophthalmology clinic in New Jersey with a strong emphasis on glaucoma treatment. We have the most current diagnostic technologies for early glaucoma treatment and diagnosis to a large number of patients.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the link between the eye and the brain via the optic nerve. The optic nerve is composed of millions of nerve fibers bundled together. Individual nerve fibers may be harmed if the fluid circulating within the eye does not drain properly, resulting in increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve.
When nerve fibers die, a person's field of vision develops little blind spots. Initially, the effect may be so mild that the majority of people will not detect it until the disease has progressed significantly. Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness in the United States, eventually causes blindness if left untreated. For this reason, regular eye exams using advanced diagnostic techniques are essential for glaucoma therapy, especially for those at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Who is at high risk for glaucoma?
Those with the following background may be at higher risk for developing glaucoma:
- Over age 45
- Above normal eye pressure
- A family history of glaucoma
- African-American ancestry
- Diabetes
- Thinner than average corneal thickness
- Past eye surgery or injury
- High degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness
Is Glaucoma Treatment Possible?
Regular eye exams, drugs (typically in the form of eye drops), and, if necessary, laser or traditional surgery to enhance drainage mechanisms and enable the eye to self-regulate its pressure, can all help with glaucoma management. Glaucoma can be treated and does not have to lead to blindness if identified early and monitored appropriately.
Our Technology for Glaucoma Treatment in New Jersey
Glaucoma can be detected and managed early with regular eye exams using modern technology. Our practice has invested in the advanced equipment to aid in the diagnosis and management of this disease. Here are just a some of the glaucoma technologies we have available to our patients:
Zeiss Field Analyzer with Liquid Lens
We have the state-of-the-art Zeiss Field Analyzer with liquid lens that allows us to perform the quickest and most accurate visual field testing available today. We can perform blue-yellow visual fields in addition to standard white light on a white background, which is considered the most sensitive type of testing for glaucoma suspects; this allows for earlier detection than standard white light testing alone. We can also perform red dot fields for people who are taking high-risk medications, such as Plaquenil.
CIRRUS HD-OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography)
In addition, we have the CIRRUS HD-OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography.) OCT evaluation of the retinal nerve fiber layer and optic nerve head is considered the gold standard in optic nerve imaging. OCT images are obtained quickly and painlessly through an undilated pupil. Computer analysis can detect subtle changes in the optic nerve and nerve fiber layer, often years before visual field testing can. In addition, the OCT is more sensitive than traditional stereo disc photography with a fundus camera.