Glaucoma Services
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which, if untreated, can result in permanent damage to the field of vision.
Weill Cornell Medicine ophthalmologists are trained in the most state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment methods for patients with glaucoma. Through advanced imaging technology, our experienced professionals diagnose glaucoma as early as possible and arrest the disease in its earliest stage. In most cases, glaucoma is treated by lowering intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye). Although glaucoma surgery is avoided whenever possible, our ophthalmic physicians also practice the most sophisticated surgical techniques for the treatment of glaucoma.
Glaucoma Detection
As glaucoma may not affect vision until late in the disease process, it has been called the "sneak thief" of vision. Those at risk for glaucoma include anyone with a family history of glaucoma, patients with ocular hypertension, those with myopia (nearsightedness), the elderly and African-Americans. The only way to be sure that you are unaffected by glaucoma is to undergo a comprehensive eye examination. Weill Cornell Medicine ophthalmologists use standard photography, high-resolution optic nerve imaging technology and specialized visual field testing to monitor the optic nerve for changes and detect glaucoma.
Ocular Hypertension
Occasionally, elevated intraocular pressure can develop without any signs of damage to the optic nerve. This condition, ocular hypertension, may lead to glaucoma in some individuals. Weill Cornell Medicine patients with ocular hypertension undergo a comprehensive risk assessment based on demographic information and data from ophthalmic examination (including optic nerve appearance, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and visual field data). This risk assessment allows us to treat patients who are likely to develop glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve), and to avoid unnecessarily treating patients who are unlikely to develop glaucoma.
Treatment
Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is offered at Weill Cornell Medicine Ophthalmology for certain patients with glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or suspicion of glaucoma. MIGS procedures are typically performed at the time of cataract surgery and increase the length of the cataract surgery by just a few minutes. Importantly, MIGS procedures do not significantly change the overall favorable safety profile of cataract surgery and can result in additional benefits to patients with glaucoma, such as lower intraocular pressure and the need for fewer (or no) glaucoma medications.
While MIGS is not indicated or appropriate for every glaucoma patient, these surgeries are an excellent option for some patients, particularly those with mild to moderate open angle glaucoma. The glaucoma specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine Ophthalmology currently perform multiple MIGS procedures, including iStent/iStent inject, Hydrus, XEN gel stent, goniotomy with the Kahook dual blade, and gonioscopy assisted transluminal trabeculotomy.