Glaucoma

About three million Americans have glaucoma, the second-leading cause of blindness in the United States. To prevent the distorted vision and permanent blindness that glaucoma can cause, VistaSite Vision Center offers comprehensive eye exams. Skilled optometrist Tatsiana Palavets, OD, can test the pressure in your eye and customize a treatment plan if needed. Don’t put off glaucoma screenings. Schedule an appointment online or call the office in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, to schedule a glaucoma consultation today.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when there’s an increase in pressure in your eye. That pressure can damage your optic nerve and increase your risk for vision loss and permanent blindness.

Pressure in your eyes occurs when fluid can’t drain out of your eye efficiently. That leads to a buildup of fluid inside your eye that puts pressure on surrounding tissue and nerves.

Your risk for glaucoma increases as you age, especially after age 40. Other common risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Diabetes
• Family history
• Eye injuries
• Thinning of the optic nerve

Being farsighted or nearsighted can also contribute to glaucoma.

When should I seek treatment for glaucoma?

You can have glaucoma for some time without experiencing symptoms. For that reason, you should schedule routine eye exams at VistaSite Vision Center.

You also need to schedule a glaucoma screening if you experience symptoms of glaucoma, such as:

• Eye pain
• Blurry vision
• Distorted vision
• Sudden loss of vision

Your provider can test the pressure in your eye to identify risk factors for glaucoma before damage occurs. They numb your eye with drops before performing the pressure test to keep you comfortable.

If you have high pressure levels in your eye, they customize a care plan to slow the progression of glaucoma and reduce your risk for vision loss or permanent blindness.

How is glaucoma treated?

Your treatment plan for glaucoma depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall eye health.

Your VistaSite Vision Center provider may initially recommend eye drops or oral medications to lower the pressure in your eye. If these strategies don’t work well, you may be a candidate for laser treatments or surgery to improve drainage in your eye. Your provider discusses your options and can refer you to a specialist for additional treatment.

You also need to schedule routine eye exams to track changes in your eye health from year to year. Your provider can also recommend lifestyle changes you can make, including quitting smoking, to prevent glaucoma and its complications.

Call VistaSite Vision Center to schedule a glaucoma screening, or book an appointment online today.