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We offer an extensive ophthalmic surgical network of brands with offices throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey. Our centers provide innovative surgical solutions partnered with ophthalmology practices to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. OOMC is pleased to provide the highest level of expertise in the ophthalmic treatment space.
Early detection is key for Glaucoma.
Glaucoma is an eye disease of the optic nerve frequently associated with elevated eye pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve which can ultimately lead to permanent vision loss. The optic nerve is responsible for sending messages from the eye to the brain, allowing us to see. Damage to the optic nerve causes progressive loss in vision and can eventually lead to blindness. Fortunately, we are very capable of treating glaucoma successfully in most patients, especially if it is caught early.
There are many different types of glaucoma. The two main types of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma.
This is the most common type of glaucoma and accounts for about 70% of all glaucoma cases. In this disease, the drainage area in the eye is open but does not function properly. Pressure generally builds up and vision is lost slowly. Open-angle glaucoma has no early symptoms.
With closed-angle glaucoma, the iris blocks the drainage area of the eye, causing the pressure within the eye to become quite elevated. This form of glaucoma can have a rapid onset and can cause severe eye pain, headaches, blurred vision, halos around lights, and even nausea and vomiting. Certain patients with narrow angles may be predisposed to develop this type of glaucoma and may require laser treatment to prevent it.
Treatment for glaucoma may vary, so we’ll work together to determine the best way to manage your glaucoma. Glaucoma is typically treated with eye drops, lasers or surgeries.
We’re committed to making the latest technology available to you when you visit a Kremer location.
We often combine glaucoma treatment with cataract surgery, saving you time, and sometimes money, in the long run.
If you require a surgery, we’ll do our best to make you comfortable with the entire process.
When treating glaucoma, there are options. The right treatment plan will be customized based on the results of your consultation and these treatment options.
Many excellent drops are available to treat glaucoma. A Kremer Specialist will discuss the pros and cons of different medications. The drops must be used consistently and in accordance with your physician’s recommendations.
SLT is a glaucoma laser available to patients with an open angle. Using the laser, our glaucoma specialist treats the eye’s natural drain to make it function better, which lowers the eye pressure. This works in about 80% of patients but may lose its effectiveness over time. Fortunately, SLT may be repeated if needed. A recent study comparing a glaucoma drop to SLT found that a patient has better odds of avoiding surgery if SLT is the initial glaucoma treatment. The procedure takes about a minute and can be performed in the office.
A LPI is performed on patients who have narrow angles or closed-angle glaucoma. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small hole in the iris (the colored part of the eye) to reestablish normal drainage angle anatomy.
In ECP, a camera is placed in the patient’s eye to identify the part of the eye that produces fluid (ciliary body). Our surgeon then uses a laser to shrink this tissue in order to reduce pressure. ECP is usually performed at the time of cataract surgery.
This procedure is performed on patients who have not seen results from eye drops or laser. This incisional surgical procedure creates a new drainage channel for the eye to lower eye pressure.
If prior glaucoma surgery has been unsuccessful, we often recommend tube shunt surgery. By inserting a small plastic tube, we can reduce the eye pressure to prevent additional vision loss. This is often recommended for neovascular glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma, or when other treatments have not been effective.
iStent, goniotomy, Hydrus, OMNI and Xen are newer surgical innovations that lower eye pressure with a smaller incision than traditional glaucoma surgeries. These surgeries typically do not lower eye pressure as well as a trabeculectomy or tube shunt, but they have less risk and a much quicker recovery.
If you’d like to learn more about the different types of glaucoma and their treatment options, visit the glaucoma treatment page on our parent website.
For questions regarding our practice or general inquires contact us here.
