At your first appointment, we typically perform a visual field test, take images of the optic nerve, measure Intraocular Pressure (IOP) of the eye and examine the optic nerve.  These tests are not painful and allow us to screen for glaucoma.  Dr. Cohen discusses the results, as well as appropriate treatments, with the patient.  

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States.  With this type of glaucoma, eye pressure increases over time, which damages the optic nerve and can result in blind spots.  It is referred to as the “silent thief” because it can gradually steal a person’s vision without pain or symptoms.  While open-angle glaucoma tends to run in families, it can impact those without any family history of glaucoma.  While open-angle glaucoma affects all populations, people of African descent are at increased risk.  

Angle-closure glaucoma (aka closed angle glaucoma) occurs when the fluid of the eye is suddenly blocked and cannot drain from the eye.  This causes an acute and severe rise in eye pressure and is considered an emergency.  Symptoms include severe eye pain, loss of vision and a red teary eye.  People of Asian descent are at increased risk for angle-closure glaucoma.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a form of open-angle glaucoma where tiny fibrillar substances are produced in abnormally high concentrations within the eye tissue.  When pseudoexfoliation glaucoma co-presents with cataracts, treatment may be more complex.  Dr. Cohen has extensive training and experience in treating patients with combined pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and cataracts. This aggressive form of glaucoma is found in all populations.  People of northern European descent, particularly Scandinavian, are at increased risk for pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available for glaucoma. After examining your eyes, Dr. Cohen will offer an individualized treatment plan to meet your needs and ensure the best outcome.

Treatments may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser procedures (which are typically performed in our office), or surgery.  With open-angle glaucoma (which is most common), the goal is to control eye pressure and thus preserve vision.  

Dr. Cohen is a thought leader in the field of glaucoma – he consults for diagnostic, medical device and pharmaceutical companies.  He is committed to offering the most effective state-of-the-art glaucoma and cataract treatments to his patients.

Angle-closure glaucoma (aka closed angle glaucoma) occurs when the fluid of the eye is suddenly blocked and cannot drain from the eye.  This causes an acute and severe rise in eye pressure and is considered an emergency.  Symptoms include severe eye pain, loss of vision and a red teary eye.  People of Asian descent are at increased risk for angle-closure glaucoma.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a form of open-angle glaucoma where tiny fibrillar substances are produced in abnormally high concentrations within the eye tissue.  When pseudoexfoliation glaucoma co-presents with cataracts, treatment may be more complex.  Dr. Cohen has extensive training and experience in treating patients with combined pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and cataracts. This aggressive form of glaucoma is found in all populations.  People of northern European descent, particularly Scandinavian, are at increased risk for pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

Cataracts tend to develop slowly, and eventually interfere with vision.  Patients may notice that their vision is blurred, that they become sensitive to light or glare (especially oncoming car headlights), that colors appear yellowed or faded, that they need extra light to read or that they can’t see well at night.

In adulthood, with every year, the lens becomes thicker and less clear.  Eventually, a cataract may significantly impair a person’s vision.  If your cataract begins to interfere with your quality of life, we can have a conversation about surgery. 

The only way to treat cataracts is with surgery.  In cataract surgery, Dr. Cohen removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (or IOL).

Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery is an option for most cataract patients. It is a form of cataract surgery using a specialized precision laser that softens the cataract allowing for a smoother removal, followed by replacement with the intraocular lens.

Treatments may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser procedures (which are typically performed in our office), or surgery.  With open-angle glaucoma (which is most common), the goal is to control eye pressure and thus preserve vision.  

Dr. Cohen is a thought leader in the field of glaucoma – he consults for diagnostic, medical device and pharmaceutical companies.  He is committed to offering the most effective state-of-the-art glaucoma and cataract treatments to his patients.

Angle-closure glaucoma (aka closed angle glaucoma) occurs when the fluid of the eye is suddenly blocked and cannot drain from the eye.  This causes an acute and severe rise in eye pressure and is considered an emergency.  Symptoms include severe eye pain, loss of vision and a red teary eye.  People of Asian descent are at increased risk for angle-closure glaucoma.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a form of open-angle glaucoma where tiny fibrillar substances are produced in abnormally high concentrations within the eye tissue.  When pseudoexfoliation glaucoma co-presents with cataracts, treatment may be more complex.  Dr. Cohen has extensive training and experience in treating patients with combined pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and cataracts. This aggressive form of glaucoma is found in all populations.  People of northern European descent, particularly Scandinavian, are at increased risk for pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).  A basic single-focussed lens is typically covered by insurance.  Premium lenses offer the added benefits of correcting astigmatism or decreasing your reliance on corrective glasses, but are not covered by insurance.    

Dr. Cohen will help you select a lens that best suits your lifestyle.