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Glaucoma

Glaucoma services offered in Holmdel, NJ

Glaucoma

More than 4.2 million people in the United States have glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. At Holmdel Eye Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, experienced ophthalmologist Ahmed Abdelhady, MD, can detect and treat glaucoma to reduce your risk of permanent vision loss. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Abdelhady by phone or request one online today.

Glaucoma Q & A

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by pressure building up inside of your eye. The pressure can damage the back part of the eye (optic nerve and retina) and contribute to vision loss and permanent blindness when not addressed. 

Fortunately, glaucoma treatments at Holmdel Eye Center can help you avoid vision problems. Early detection is critical. 

Which symptoms can glaucoma cause?

Glaucoma can lead to the following symptoms:

  • Eye pressure
  • Eye pain
  • Red, bloodshot eyes
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Gradual reduction in vision
  • Blind spots
  • Tunnel vision 

However, there are often no symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma, which is why about 50% of people in the United States with glaucoma don’t know they have it. 

Sudden, severe symptoms of glaucoma that require immediate medical attention include blood gathering in the front of your eye, enlarged eyeballs, sudden vision loss, seeing flashing lights or rainbow-colored halos, a sudden increase in floaters, and nausea or vomiting. 

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

Glaucoma risk factors include:

  • Being age 40 or older
  • Being female
  • African, Asian, or Inuit descent
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Chronic diseases

Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions may increase your risk of developing glaucoma. 

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Dr. Abdelhady completes a dilated eye exam, vision testing, imaging, or other diagnostic tests to determine if you have glaucoma. High intraocular pressure, optic nerve damage, and changes or loss of vision may indicate glaucoma. Dr. Abdelhady also reviews your medical history and symptoms and develops a treatment plan to help prevent the disease from worsening.

How is glaucoma treated?

Treating glaucoma involves reducing pressure inside of your eyes. You might be a candidate for:

  • Healthy lifestyle changes
  • Eye drops
  • Oral medications
  • Laser therapy
  • Tube shunts
  • Trabeculectomy (creating a new drainage pathway within your eye)
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

MIGS is a surgical procedure that reduces eye pressure caused by glaucoma. It’s safe and requires minimal post-operative care. Dr. Abdelhady may combine MIGS with cataract surgery if necessary. 

It’s also helpful to eat a nutritious diet, take a multivitamin supplement, exercise regularly, drink moderate amounts of fluid, and limit your caffeine intake.

Schedule a glaucoma evaluation with Dr. Abdelhady at Holmdel Eye Center by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.