Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss. Dr. Lalin and Dr. Shah offer services to aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma at both our Morristown and Hackettstown locations.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S., but early detection can help those suffering with this disease to retain their vision. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma and are seeking treatment, Dr. Lalin and Dr. Shah can help you actively manage it to prevent additional sight loss.

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye disorders that affect vision. Ocular hypertension, or higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye, is usually what causes damage. A normally-functioning eye contains fluid that is constantly produced and drained from the eye, maintaining a steady amount of pressure that helps the eye to retain its shape and function. But if the drainage systems become blocked, pressure in the eye begins to build to excessive levels, posing a threat to the optic nerve.

The two most common types of this disease are primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma involves the steadily increasing loss of peripheral vision. Acute angle-closure glaucoma can involve reddening of the eyes, blurry vision, halos, and eye pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Dr. Lalin and Dr. Shah can screen for early signs of glaucoma during a comprehensive eye exam. A tonometer will be used to measure your intraocular pressure (IOP), testing for abnormalities that can indicate the development of glaucoma.

Anyone over age 60 is at increased risk of developing glaucoma. This is especially true for Hispanics. African-Americans carry a risk of developing glaucoma around age 40. Patients of Asian decent are at a greater risk of developing acute angle-closure glaucoma, while those of Japanese decent are more prone to normal-tension glaucoma. Your risk of developing glaucoma becomes greater if you have a family history of the disease. Severe diabetic retinopathy has also been linked to an increased risk of developing glaucoma.

Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured. However, early detection, treatment, and ongoing regular examinations can greatly minimize vision loss, and slow the progression of the disease.

Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Lalin may recommend a number of treatment options, including medicated eye drops, oral medications, or laser surgery. Each treatment option is administered with the goal of lowering pressure inside the eye.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Treatment

Lalin Eye offers an alternative treatment for glaucoma using the IRIDEX Cyclo G6™ Laser System. This MicroPulse technology makes it possible to provide you with an effective, non-incisional treatment option that significantly lowers downtime.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in adults. The Glaucoma Research Foundation estimates that around 4 million people in the U.S. and approximately 60 million worldwide are currently afflicted with the disease. The foundation has assessed that half of the millions of people with glaucoma are not aware of their condition, thus not seeking medical care. Many of those who are aware they have glaucoma are averse to traditional therapy and do not comply with treatment, allowing advancement of the disease. Therapeutic intervention and compliance are critical in mitigating the onset of blindness from untreated glaucoma.

We describe MicroPulse treatment as a patient-friendly, clinically effective, and repeatable option that can potentially slow the progression of a disease that may otherwise require surgical intervention or cause blindness. We’re excited to bring this innovative treatment to our patients and hope it encourages more glaucoma patients to seek and comply with treatment.

The single most important step you can take in protecting your vision is to undergo regularly scheduled check-ups at our practice. Some studies have also indicated that exercise can reduce your risk of developing glaucoma. In addition to maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy weight, you can further reduce your risk by quitting smoking and eating a diet high in antioxidants.