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Statistics show that over 3M Americans live with glaucoma, thus necessitating regular eye checkups and exams. Without quality care, glaucoma can gradually get worse, resulting in blindness. That’s why, at Russell Micah Levine, MD, the ophthalmologist offers individualized, expert care for patients struggling with glaucoma in Hell’s Kitchen and the more extensive New York area. To schedule an initial consultation today, call their office or use the online booking tool.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a broad term used to refer to a wide range of conditions, affecting the optic nerve. In most cases, glaucoma develops as a result of unusual high eye pressure. There are multiple other causes of glaucoma that Dr. Levine and her team will help determine what form of glaucoma you may have.
Glaucoma affects people of all ages but is more common in older adults. It is the leading cause of blindness in people above 60 years old. Even though there’s no actual cure for glaucoma, early detection and intervention can help manage the condition. Therefore, persons at greater risk of glaucoma must get regular testing for glaucoma.
The different common forms of glaucoma include open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma. Although not as common, glaucoma also develops in children due to drainage blockages in the eye or because of a hidden medical condition.
How to Diagnose Glaucoma?
To offer a glaucoma diagnosis, Dr. Levine performs an extensive eye examination and cross-checks your medical history. The comprehensive diagnostic procedures include inspecting your drainage angle, conducting an intraocular pressure check, checking for areas of vision loss, and testing your visual fields.
If necessary, Dr. Levine performs an optical coherence tomography test (OCT). An OCT test is used to measure the thickness of your nerve fiber layers surrounding the optic nerve. This section of your optic nerve is most susceptible to heightened eye pressure.
How to Treat Glaucoma?
Dr. Levine takes a personalized and attentive approach to treating glaucoma patients. According to your glaucoma risk and the extremity of your condition, he may recommend treatment with prescription eye drops to alleviate your eye pressure.
If the eye drops fail to make a noticeable difference, patients may benefit from oral medications, such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. For suitable candidates, Dr. Levine also provides laser therapy as a ‘go-to’ treatment for your glaucoma, in addition to eye drops. At times, laser therapy may be the most suitable treatment option. Laser therapy utilizes an in-house laser beam to open the blocked channels in your trabecular meshwork, the drainage system affecting the front of your eye.
That said, access and availability to care are essential to the practice. As patient advocates, the providers here remain available around the clock should the need arise. Even following an office visit, patients are encouraged to follow-up care via phone, e-mail, or text should they have additional needs or questions. So, if you are worried about being at risk of glaucoma, request an appointment with Russell Micah Levine, MD, through mobile or use the online booking tool.
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