Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide and impacts over three million Americans. Early detection is key to protecting and preserving your vision, which is why Daniel Rafaelov, OD, at Eyecrafters Optical in Downtown Brooklyn, New York City, provides detection and management services for glaucoma. To learn more about glaucoma and schedule an appointment, book online any time or call the office today.

What symptoms does glaucoma cause?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage your optic nerve and impact your vision. It is a leading cause of blindness, so routine exams and patient-centric eye care are crucial for protecting your long-term health and sight.

Glaucoma symptoms tend to worsen over time and include:

• Tunnel vision
• Sudden vision loss
• Blurry vision
• Rainbow-colored circles around the lights you see
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe head or eye pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, get in touch with Dr. Rafaelov as soon as possible.

Is there more than one type of glaucoma?

There are a few types, but the most common are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma

This type is what most people refer to when they mention glaucoma, and it results from increased eye pressure. Your eye pressure increases when your eyes’ drainage canals can’t properly drain fluid.

Angle-closure glaucoma

If your eyes’ drainage canals are blocked, angle-closure glaucoma can result. This condition is acute and serious, requiring immediate medical attention.

Dr. Rafaelov also diagnoses and manages rarer types of glaucoma, including normal-tension glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, and glaucoma in children. 

Am I at risk for developing glaucoma?

The risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Having hypertension (high blood pressure) or heart disease
• Previous eye injuries
• Being over 60 (or over 40 for African Americans)
• Having diabetes
• Having a close relative with glaucoma

Dr. Rafaelov can determine whether you’re more likely to develop glaucoma and screen for it during routine eye exams.

What can I expect from glaucoma treatment?

While glaucoma isn’t curable, Dr. Rafaelov can develop a personalized care plan to treat its symptoms and slow its progression. He may recommend:

Eye drops

Eye drops are the most common glaucoma treatment. They’re used to lower your eye pressure and protect the optic nerve from damage. Some types of eye drops lower the pressure by improving fluid drainage, while others decrease your eye’s fluid production.

Oral medicines

If eye drops alone aren’t decreasing eye pressure enough, Dr. Rafaelov may prescribe an oral medication to supplement them.

Laser therapy

Particularly useful if you can’t tolerate eye drops, laser therapy improves your eyes’ fluid drainage.

Surgery

If necessary, you can have a filtering surgery or trabeculectomy. This creates a small opening that allows another avenue for fluid to drain and decreases eye pressure.

Another surgical option is minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), which uses microscopic devices to slow your glaucoma’s development.

If you need glaucoma surgery, Dr. Rafaelov provides referrals and monitors your care afterward.

Call Eyecrafters Optical or book an appointment online to schedule a glaucoma evaluation and begin treatment today.