Cataracts and glaucoma are two of the more common ailments that affect the eyes of aging individuals. While there are treatment options for each of these conditions, there is also a surgical procedure which allows for the treatment of both conditions simultaneously.
Fixing Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It generally occurs as a result of fluid build-up in the eye. The extra fluid in the eye increases pressure in the eye (also known as intraocular pressure) and in turn causes damage to the optic nerve.
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to partial or complete vision loss which is not reversible. Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops or surgery.
Fixing Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts can cause blurry and distorted vision.
When cataracts remain untreated, they can also lead to partial or complete vision loss. An ophthalmologist or Eye M.D. fixes a cataract by performing a brief surgical procedure. The surgeon removes the cataract and replaces it with a synthetic lens (called an IOL or intraocular lens).
Fixing Glaucoma and Cataracts Simultaneously
In a relatively new procedure which is done during cataract surgery, the eye surgeon can place a small stent (tube to open a passageway) in the eye. The stent helps to safely lower the intraocular pressure and improve the eye’s natural outflow of fluid to treat glaucoma.
In this way, both conditions can be safely and effectively treated at the same time.
If you or a loved one is living in New Jersey and experiencing the symptoms of cataracts and/or glaucoma, contact Atlantic Medical Eye Care. We can help restore your eyesight and fix both of these conditions.
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