Glaucoma

Glaucoma can cause blindness without expert treatment. If you’re at risk of glaucoma or develop symptoms, visit fellowship-trained ophthalmologist Dr. Tu of New York Eye and Glaucoma Specialist PLLC: Yufei Tu, MD, in the Flushing district of Queens in New York City. Dr. Tu provides preventive screening and unrivaled glaucoma treatment, including microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Call Dr. Tu’s office or request an appointment online today for superior glaucoma care.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma develops in the optic nerves at the back of the eyes. These nerves send the information your eyes gather to your brain for interpretation, providing you with sight.

When you have glaucoma, optic nerve damage causes fluid to build up in your eyes. This creates increasing pressure leading to blind spots and vision loss.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma doesn’t cause any symptoms at first, but as it progresses, you might experience:

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Red or swollen eyes
• Tunnel vision
• Blind spots
• Rainbow halos
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea

It’s vital to see Dr. Tu for regular eye exams to prevent glaucoma from causing permanent damage. You should also see him if you develop glaucoma symptoms in between your routine exams. 

Why would I get glaucoma?

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but some are more likely to develop it. Risk factors include:

• Family history of glaucoma
• Aging
• High blood pressure
• Optic nerve disorders
• Diabetes
• Cataracts
• Eye inflammation (uveitis)
• Eye injuries or infections
• Tumors
• Blocked blood vessels in the eye

You can reduce your chances of developing glaucoma by improving your general health with diet and exercise, protecting your eyes, and managing chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes properly. 

How is glaucoma treated?

Glaucoma treatments include:

Eye drops

Eye drops contain medication that reduces pressure in your eyes.

Oral medication

Dr. Tu may prescribe oral medications if eye drops aren’t reducing eyeball pressure sufficiently.

Laser surgery

Dr. Tu might recommend laser eye surgery if glaucoma medications aren’t enough to manage your condition. The laser beam uses light energy to open up clogged channels in your eyes. These blockages prevent fluid drainage, which causes pressure to build up.

Glaucoma surgery

Dr. Tu might need to perform surgery if medication and laser treatment don’t work or are unsuitable. He uses MIGS techniques where possible to minimize tissue damage.

Some MIGS surgeries shunt fluid to the outside of your eye, some improve the eye’s natural fluid outflow, and others reduce eye fluid production. Dr. Tu often performs MIGS procedures at the same time as cataract surgery.

Call New York Eye and Glaucoma Specialist PLLC: Yufei Tu, MD, or request an appointment online today to arrange your glaucoma exam before losing sight.