Expert Glaucoma Care Close to Home | Hamburg & Irving, NY
Glaucoma Management at Lakeshore Eyecare
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent vision loss in the world, and what makes it particularly dangerous is that most people don't notice any symptoms until the damage has already been done. Often called "the silent thief of sight," glaucoma typically begins by affecting your peripheral, or side, vision so gradually that it's easy to miss. By the time central vision is impacted, the loss is often irreversible. That's why early detection and consistent monitoring are so critical. With the right care, glaucoma can be managed effectively, and in many cases, vision can be preserved for the long term.
At Lakeshore Eyecare, Dr. Vishal Sharma is an experienced glaucoma specialist who offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for patients in Hamburg, Irving, and the surrounding South Towns. Using advanced diagnostic technology, including the Zeiss Humphrey Visual Field system and the Voyager Laser, our team can detect glaucoma in its earliest stages and build a personalized treatment plan around your specific needs.
If you're concerned about your glaucoma risk or it's been a while since your last eye exam, we'd encourage you to schedule a visit. Request an appointment online or give us a call at our Hamburg or Irving location.
Surgical & Non-Surgical Glaucoma Treatment Options
What You Should Know About Glaucoma & How It's Treated
Glaucoma isn't a single condition but rather a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the cable that carries visual information from your eye to your brain. Understanding what causes that damage, and what can be done about it, is the first step toward protecting your vision.
What Causes Glaucoma?
In most cases, glaucoma is related to elevated pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure. Your eye constantly produces a fluid called aqueous humor, which normally drains out through a tiny channel. When that drainage channel doesn't work properly, fluid builds up and pressure increases. Over time, that pressure presses on and damages the optic nerve. Once optic nerve damage occurs, it can't be undone, which is why catching glaucoma early is so important.
It's worth noting that not everyone with high eye pressure develops glaucoma, and some people develop glaucoma with normal eye pressure. This is called normal-tension glaucoma, and it's another reason why a thorougheye exam is so much more valuable than a simple pressure check.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Several factors can raise your risk of developing glaucoma, including being over the age of 60, having a family history of the condition, and having elevated eye pressure. People with diabetes are also at a higher risk, which is one reason why we include glaucoma screening as part of every diabetic eye exam. African Americans and Hispanics are also statistically more likely to develop certain types of glaucoma, and at younger ages. Knowing your risk factors is an important part of staying ahead of this condition.
Non-Surgical Glaucoma Treatment
For many patients, glaucoma can be effectively managed without surgery. The most common first-line treatment is prescription eye drops, which work by either reducing the amount of fluid the eye produces or improving how well it drains. When used consistently, these drops can lower eye pressure and slow or stop the progression of optic nerve damage. Your eye doctor will work with you to find an approach that fits your lifestyle and monitor your response to treatment at regular follow-up visits.
When eye drops alone aren't enough, or when a patient prefers a less medication-dependent approach, laser treatment is often a highly effective option. Lakeshore Eyecare is equipped with the Voyager DSLT, a revolutionary Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty system that improves drainage within the eye to reduce intraocular pressure. The treatment takes just seconds to complete and can free patients from the need for daily eye drops for up to two years.
Dr. Sharma is currently the only provider offering this technology between Buffalo and Rochester, making Lakeshore Eyecare one of the most advanced glaucoma practices in the region. Laser treatment is performed right here in the office, so you don't have to travel far or wait for a referral to take the next step in your care.
Surgical Glaucoma Treatment
In cases where glaucoma has progressed or hasn't responded adequately to other treatments, surgery may be the best path forward. Dr. Sharma offers surgical glaucoma treatment options, which you can learn more about on our glaucoma surgery page. Having access to both non-surgical and surgical care under one roof means your treatment can evolve alongside your condition without the need to establish care with a new provider.
The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring
Once glaucoma is diagnosed, it requires lifelong management. Even when treatment is going well, regular monitoring is essential to make sure the condition isn't progressing and that your current approach is still working. Dr. Sharma's team will build a follow-up schedule around your individual situation, with the goal of keeping your vision stable and your care consistent over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs of glaucoma?
This is one of the most challenging aspects of glaucoma: in the most common form of the disease, there are typically no warning signs at all, at least not in the early stages. Vision loss begins at the outer edges and progresses so slowly that most people don't notice anything is wrong until significant damage has already occurred. Less common types of glaucoma can cause symptoms like eye pain, headaches, nausea, or sudden blurry vision, but these are the exception rather than the rule. The best way to protect yourself is with regular eye exams, since early detection is the most reliable path to preserving your vision.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma can't be cured in the traditional sense, but it can absolutely be managed, and for most patients, vision can be preserved with the right treatment plan. The damage that's already occurred to the optic nerve is permanent, but with consistent monitoring and treatment, you can slow or stop the progression of the disease. Treatment options range from daily eye drops to laser therapy to surgery, depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma. The earlier it's caught, the more options you have and the better the long-term outlook tends to be.
How is glaucoma treated at Lakeshore Eyecare?
We’re proud to offer a full range of glaucoma treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical. Many patients start with prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure, while others benefit from in-office laser treatment using the Voyager Laser. For more advanced cases, glaucoma surgery may be recommended. What sets Lakeshore Eyecare apart is the ability to provide this full continuum of care in one place, with a physician who knows your history and can adjust your treatment plan as your needs change over time.
How do I schedule an appointment for glaucoma treatment near me?
Scheduling your consultation at Lakeshore Eyecare is easy! You can request an appointment online, or give us a call at our Hamburg or Irving location, and our team will help you find a time that works for your schedule.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you protect your vision for years to come.