Home » Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma Treatment
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the most prevalent ocular diseases in the United States and professional glaucoma treatment is important. By definition, it is damage to the optic nerve in the back of the eye, usually due to increased eye pressure. It has no symptoms in its early stages but can present with blurred vision, eye pain, or visual field loss. Later it can cause tunnel vision and blindness. Annual eye pressure checks along with clinical examination performed by Dr. Cecchi can detect glaucoma in its early stages. Dr. Cecchi is not a glaucoma specialist but does offer glaucoma treatment. Please contact our offices located in the Oneida, Liverpool and Syracuse NY to set up an appointment today!
Glaucoma Treatment
Dr. Cecchi tests and follows glaucoma with formal visual field testing with a Humphrey visual field automated perimetry unit (Carl Zeiss Meditech), Spectral domain- Optical Coherence Tomography with the Spectralis SD-OCT (Heidleberg engineering), corneal pachymetry, and routine gonioscopy. Treatment most frequently involves medical therapy in the form of eye drops. Dr. Cecchi now uses the Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) q-switched YAG Laser unit by Ellex which can painlessly lower the eye’s pressure without drops. In some cases, no further eyedrops are needed, but frequent follow up and monitoring are required.
Treatment most frequently involves medical intervention in three ways. Medication, Laser, or Surgery.
Medication
Medication is a mainstay of treatment to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). This is now deliverable into the eye with a simple, one-time in-office procedure, which Dr. Cecchi now performs. An FDA approved prostaglandin analogue(PGA) can be safely placed into the eye in order to reduce the IOP and reduce the need for ongoing topical medical treatmet in the form of eyedrops.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty or SLT is a safe and effective was to reduce IOP. A simple in office procedure, SLT targets the outflow mechanism within the eye to achieve reduced resistance to outflow of aqueous fluid.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy or LPI is performed for anatomic narrow angle. This is a condition which can lead to Angle closure glaucoma (ACG) a serious eye condition which causes sudden high eye pressure, and in its severe form, can cause blindess. Narrow angle is easily diagnosed, and if the risk for ACG is high, LPI is performed in office, and is safe and effective.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or MIGS is a safe and effective way to reduce IOP as well. Most commonly, MIGS is used in conjuction with cataract surgery. Several different types of MIGS devices are available and Dr. Cecchi can decide which technology will best suit the glaucoma condition.
MIGS with Omni
MIGS with Omni is a cutting-edge surgical treatment that provides a minimally invasive solution for patients with glaucoma. The procedure involves using a highly advanced device called the Omni implant, designed to effectively lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) commonly associated with glaucoma. During cataract surgery, the Omni implant is carefully placed within the eye to create a more efficient outflow pathway for the eye’s natural fluid. This helps to reduce the pressure within the eye, which can be critical in slowing down glaucoma progression.
MIGS with Omni is an innovative approach to treating glaucoma, as it does not require major incisions or extensive surgery. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning it is safer, less painful, and has a faster recovery time than traditional glaucoma surgery. MIGS with Omni can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing the need for multiple eye drops. With this advanced surgical treatment, patients can enjoy a better chance of preserving their vision and maintaining their eye health in the long run.
iStent
iStent MIGS is an innovative device revolutionizing glaucoma management. The iStent is a microscopic device implanted during cataract surgery to enhance the eye’s natural drainage system, essential for fluid outflow. By doing so, the iStent helps lower intraocular pressure, a significant contributor to glaucoma. This helps to reduce the need for glaucoma medications and improve overall eye health.
What makes iStent stand out is that it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that offers a long-lasting solution for managing glaucoma. This means that the surgery is not only safe but also results in a quicker recovery time. Additionally, iStent has been clinically proven effective in reducing intraocular pressure and the need for glaucoma medications. With iStent, you can experience a significant improvement in your eye health and overall quality of life. Say goodbye to the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional glaucoma management techniques, and try iStent MIGS today.
Hydrus Microstent
Hydrus Microstent is a cutting-edge MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) technology designed to tackle the underlying cause of glaucoma and provide a long-lasting solution.
The Hydrus Microstent is a tiny implant inserted during cataract surgery to expand and support your eye’s natural drainage system. This helps to reduce intraocular pressure, which is a critical factor in the development and progression of glaucoma. By restoring your eye’s natural drainage function, the Hydrus Microstent can decrease your reliance on eye drops and other medications, improving your overall eye health.
What sets the Hydrus Microstent apart from other glaucoma treatments is that it addresses the root cause of the problem rather than just managing the symptoms. By improving your eye’s natural drainage, the Hydrus Microstent can provide a long-lasting solution that can help you maintain clearer vision and better eye health over time.
If you’re interested in learning more about the advantages of Hydrus and whether it might be the right treatment option for you, talk to your eye doctor today. They can help you understand the procedure, its potential benefits, and whether it might be an appropriate choice for your specific needs.
