Glaucoma Treatment Options on Long Island

Long Island Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. which is why at TOC Eye®, we stress the importance of prevention through comprehensive eye health management. The earlier glaucoma can be detected, the more flexibility you have in treating the disease.

The most common treatment for glaucoma (and the simplest) is prescription eye drops aimed at lowering intraocular pressure. However, in cases where such drops are unable to slow the progression of the disease, more invasive glaucoma treatments must be considered.

At TOC Eye® we offer a number of advanced glaucoma treatments designed to reduce ocular pressure and save your vision.

Advanced Glaucoma Laser Surgeries Long Island

In addition to eye drops and conventional surgery, we offer a number of state-of-the-art laser solutions to glaucoma.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

One of the advanced glaucoma treatments we offer at TOC Eye® is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Although SLT is often a secondary treatment consideration if eye drops are ineffective in improving ocular pressure or causing side effects, it has more and more been viewed as a primary treatment option.

FDA Approved Glaucoma Treatment

During the procedure, we use the laser to target drainage tissue. This helps to promote improved drainage which can lower IOP in one to three months. SLT is typically effective for up to five years before additional glaucoma treatments may be needed.

The minimally invasive SLT procedure has been in use for more than 10 years worldwide and is FDA approved for the treatment of glaucoma. It can be performed in under 10 pain-free minutes from the comfort of our office with no scarring or side effects.

What is Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation (ECP)?

If you are currently taking medication to treat glaucoma and are in need of cataract surgery, the ECP laser procedure might be right for you. This advanced laser procedure targets the ocular tissue responsible for increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that can cause glaucoma.

Whereas many glaucoma treatments target the outflow (drainage) of fluids that build up in the eye, ECP targets the inflow. ECP is therefore referred to as a “cyclodestructive” procedure. This reduction in IOP can be effective in treating glaucoma to the extent that it can reduce, if not completely eliminate, the need for glaucoma medication.

When performed with cataract surgery, ECP adds a mere 10 minutes to the procedure time.

iStent Inject

If you’re a patient with glaucoma who needs cataract surgery, you may be considering the iStent inject. Like any surgical procedure, it’s important to know that the iStent inject is not right for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about this procedure! 

What is the iStent inject?

The iStent inject by Glaukos is a revolutionary treatment method for patients with glaucoma. The iStent inject uses two multi-directional stents to restore the eye’s natural flow. 

By restoring natural flow, the iStent inject reduces intraocular pressure for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. How is this possible?

The iStent inject creates two bypass pathways through the eye’s trabecular meshwork. Creating two pathways then results in multi-directional flow through Schlemm’s canal. 

The iStent inject does all this while also being the smallest medical device ever implanted in the human body! The combination of being imperceptibly small and creating a multi-directional flow results in the most micro-invasive approach.

Who is a candidate for the iStent inject?

To get the iStent inject, you must be a patient who has mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma. You must also need to have cataracts removed. 

The iStent inject was created to be used in conjunction with cataract surgery to reduce intraocular pressure. The iStent inject is the ideal way to treat patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and cataracts. 

Again, like any procedure, the only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate is to schedule a screening with your eye doctor at The Ophthalmic Center!

What is Trabeculectomy?

Of the many advanced glaucoma treatments we offer, trabeculectomy is the most conventional. Also called filtering surgery, trabeculectomy is an outpatient procedure performed to lower pressure in the eye when drops prove ineffective.

Your surgeon will make a tiny flap on the outer layer of the eye (sclera) through which a new filtration hole can be created. This allows for improved fluid drainage, which reduces ocular pressure and prevents further damage to the optic nerve.

As this is a more conventional surgery, the recovery period is a bit longer. For at least one week after surgery, you will be advised to avoid reading, driving and strenuous activity, in addition to keeping water out of your eye.

Trabeculectomy has a high success rate for treating glaucoma. Most people no longer need glaucoma medication after treatment. It is a not, however, a permanent glaucoma fix. Results can last several years before additional treatment needs be considered.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Treatment Consultation

Take the next step towards glaucoma treatment by calling TOC Eye® today at 631-751-2020, or contact us via our web form to schedule a treatment consultation, and learn about our discounts and CareCredit financing plans.