What a Glaucoma Specialist Does
A glaucoma specialist is an ophthalmologist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating glaucoma and other conditions that damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma often develops gradually and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to help prevent or slow further damage to the optic nerve and preserve existing vision. Because glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms, regular examinations and ongoing monitoring are essential.
To learn more about glaucoma, including its symptoms, causes, and risk factors, visit our Glaucoma Care page.
Advanced Training in Glaucoma Surgery
Our board-certified glaucoma specialist has completed advanced fellowship training in glaucoma and cataract surgery, providing additional expertise in evaluating and treating patients with glaucoma.
Treatment options may include:
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS):
Procedures designed to lower eye pressure using smaller incisions and less invasive techniques.
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery:
Surgical procedures that help reduce eye pressure when other treatment approaches are not sufficient.
Combined Cataract and Glaucoma Procedures:
For appropriate candidates, cataract and glaucoma treatment may be coordinated during the same surgical procedure.
Many patients initially manage glaucoma with prescription eye drops or other nonsurgical treatments. If additional treatment is needed, our specialist will discuss available options and determine which approach may be appropriate based on your condition and stage of glaucoma.
When Glaucoma and Cataracts Occur Together
Glaucoma and cataracts can develop at the same time, particularly as patients get older. Having both conditions can make treatment decisions more complex because each affects your vision differently.
Because our ophthalmologist has advanced fellowship training in both glaucoma and cataract surgery, we can evaluate these conditions together and discuss treatment options based on your overall eye health.
For some patients, cataract and glaucoma procedures may be performed together. Your surgeon will explain whether this approach is appropriate for your individual needs.
Care That Continues Over Time
Glaucoma management is an ongoing process that requires regular examinations and monitoring. Even when treatment is working well, continued follow-up is important to evaluate eye pressure, monitor the optic nerve, and identify changes that may require adjustments to your treatment plan.
At Lowcountry Eye Specialists, our ophthalmologist and optometrist work together to provide coordinated glaucoma care. This team approach helps support ongoing monitoring and continuity of care as your needs change.
Who Should See a Glaucoma Specialist?
A glaucoma evaluation may be recommended if:
- You have been diagnosed with glaucoma.
- You have elevated eye pressure or have been told you are at risk for glaucoma.
- You have a family history of glaucoma.
- Your current treatment is not adequately controlling your eye pressure.
- You have both glaucoma and cataracts.
- Your optometrist or primary care physician has recommended a glaucoma evaluation.
If you have concerns about your eye health or are looking for additional expertise in managing glaucoma, our team can help determine the appropriate next steps.
Why Choose Lowcountry Eye Specialists for Your Glaucoma Care?
Choosing a physician to manage glaucoma is an important decision. At Lowcountry Eye Specialists, we emphasize specialized training, individualized treatment recommendations, and ongoing relationships with our patients.
Advanced Fellowship Training:
Our glaucoma specialist has advanced fellowship training in glaucoma and cataract surgery, providing additional expertise in managing these conditions.
Multiple Treatment Approaches:
We offer medical management, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and traditional surgical options when appropriate.
Coordinated Eye Care:
Our ophthalmologist and optometrist work together to support glaucoma monitoring and ongoing treatment.
Personalized Attention:
As an independent, physician-owned practice, we emphasize continuity of care and individualized treatment recommendations.
Convenient Local Care:
Our Ladson office provides access to glaucoma evaluations, treatment, and ongoing monitoring for patients in the surrounding Charleston, South Carolina communities.
Communication With Referring Providers:
We welcome referrals from optometrists and other healthcare providers and work to coordinate care when additional glaucoma expertise is needed.
FAQs
Not necessarily. Many patients manage glaucoma with prescription eye drops or other nonsurgical treatments. Surgery may be recommended when additional treatment is needed to help control eye pressure and protect the optic nerve. Your specialist will discuss the options appropriate for your condition.
MIGS stands for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. These procedures use smaller incisions and specialized techniques to help lower eye pressure. MIGS may be an option for certain patients, including some individuals undergoing cataract surgery. Your surgeon can determine whether you are a candidate.
Yes. We welcome patients seeking ongoing glaucoma management or an additional evaluation. Call our office at 843-553-2477 to schedule an appointment. Bringing your current medication list and available eye care records can help us better understand your treatment history.
Most patients with glaucoma require ongoing monitoring throughout their lives. Regular examinations help your physician track eye pressure, evaluate the optic nerve, and identify changes that may require adjustments to your treatment
Put Your Glaucoma Care in Experienced Hands
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with glaucoma, need ongoing monitoring, or are exploring additional treatment options, Lowcountry Eye Specialists is here to help.
Schedule an appointment with our glaucoma specialist to discuss your eye health and develop a treatment plan based on your needs.
Schedule an appointment online or call our Ladson office at 843-553-2477.