Glaucoma Specialist
Over three million Americans live with glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. At Associated Eye Physicians, Dr. Bertolucci and her team specialize in diagnosing and treating Glaucoma, providing top-quality care to patients in Clifton, Elizabeth, NJ and, and nearby areas. Regular eye exams are crucial for preventing glaucoma-related blindness.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss. The exact cause is unknown, but it is associated with increased fluid pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). There are different types of glaucoma, including:
- Angle-closure glaucoma is the less common form of the disease and is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent blindness. Angle-closure glaucoma is the result of fluid build-up in your eye from a blockage in your eye’s drainage system. This type of glaucoma may develop over time or appear suddenly.
- Normal-tension glaucoma is the most puzzling form of the disease of all, as you maintain normal eye pressure but still incur damage to your optic nerve.
- Secondary glaucoma is the result of trauma, an eye injury, or another medical condition or eye abnormality.
What Are the Methods for Diagnosing Glaucoma?
Dr. Bertolucci and the expert ophthalmologists at Associated Eye Physicians offer several state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and testing on-site. Comprehensive eye exams that include glaucoma testing are your best defense against the progression of the disease. Your eye doctor monitors the health of your eyes and measures intraocular pressure, so if you experience any changes in vision or in your overall eye health, the team knows about it and can provide the necessary treatments.
What Treatments Are Available if I Develop Glaucoma?
If your doctor detects abnormal pressure in one or both of your eyes, the goal of treatment is to lower the pressure and maintain a healthy level. Glaucoma treatment options may include:
- Eye drops to regulate the pressure in your eye
- Advanced laser procedures to drain fluid from your eye
- Conventional surgery, or trabeculectomy
- Implanted drainage tubes to help fluid flow from your eye and control pressure