Glaucoma Services
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss in this country, often occurring in older adults, but sometimes in children and infants. Damage to your eyes from glaucoma is irreparable, which makes it so important to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam regularly. If caught early, glaucoma can be treated by an ophthalmologist so that further vision loss is minimized or prevented.
The Glaucoma Service at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) is a national leader in diagnosing and treating all forms of the disease, as well as investigating advanced new procedures and devices designed to give patients a wider range of surgical options. With an experienced team of physicians, technicians, fellows, and residents, we are known for our ability to handle the toughest of the tough cases—and often asked to do so as a regional referral center. These cases include patients with complex needs—such as combined corneal transplantation and glaucoma surgery—requiring a center with the latest equipment and experts in multiple ophthalmic subspecialties.
Medications are usually the first line of treatment for glaucoma followed by laser or surgery if indicated. Our surgeons have extensive experience with traditional forms of glaucoma surgery—such as trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage implants—and are on the cutting edge of the newest therapies, particularly micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Here, we are using tiny shunts and stents to create drainage channels for fluids inside the eye to relieve intraocular pressure, and are partners in a number of national clinical trials to further improve these devices and techniques. These studies help ensure that our patients have access to some of the safest and most promising new surgical therapies.
Because people with glaucoma face a host of issues and challenges, our doctors take the time to thoroughly discuss the benefits, risks, and expectations of various treatment options with our patients.