Frequently Asked Questions

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated eye pressure. It causes gradual, irreversible vision loss starting with peripheral vision. Because symptoms are often not noticeable until significant damage has occurred, regular eye exams are essential for early detection.

Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma and vision lost cannot be restored. However, with proper treatment, glaucoma can be effectively controlled and further vision loss prevented. This is why early detection and treatment are so important.

Risk factors include age over 40, family history of glaucoma, African or Hispanic ancestry, high eye pressure, thin corneas, high myopia (nearsightedness), diabetes, and previous eye injuries. Having a risk factor doesn't mean you'll definitely develop glaucoma, but regular screening is important.

Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes measurement of eye pressure (tonometry), examination of the optic nerve, visual field testing to assess peripheral vision, and OCT (optical coherence tomography) to measure nerve fiber layer thickness.

Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, typically has no early symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral vision and progresses slowly. Acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden symptoms including severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights—this is a medical emergency.

A cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. This clouding causes vision to become blurry, like looking through a foggy or dusty window. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 40 and the most common cause of blindness worldwide.

Cataract surgery is recommended when cataracts interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces, and when updated glasses no longer help. The decision is personal and depends on how much your vision affects your quality of life.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Through a tiny incision, the cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and removed, then replaced with a clear artificial lens implant. The procedure typically takes 15-20 minutes.

Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) offer additional vision benefits beyond standard lenses. Options include multifocal lenses for distance and near vision, toric lenses to correct astigmatism, and extended depth of focus lenses. Dr. Joshi will discuss which options may be best for your lifestyle and visual needs.

SLT is an FDA-approved laser treatment that improves drainage of fluid from your eye by stimulating the eye's natural drainage system. It's performed in the office in about 5 minutes, is painless, and can reduce your need for eye drops. The effect can last several years and can be repeated if needed.

MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) refers to procedures that lower eye pressure through tiny incisions with minimal trauma to the eye. They're often performed during cataract surgery and offer a safer alternative to traditional glaucoma surgery with faster recovery.

Common side effects vary by medication but may include eye redness, stinging, blurred vision, changes in eye color (with prostaglandin analogs), and systemic effects like breathing difficulties or slow heart rate (with beta blockers). Dr. Joshi will discuss the specific risks and benefits of your prescribed medications.

Yes, this is a common approach. MIGS procedures can often be combined with cataract surgery, addressing both conditions in one operation. This combined approach can reduce the number of surgeries needed and may decrease your need for glaucoma medications.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends comprehensive eye exams at age 40, then every 2-4 years until age 55, every 1-3 years ages 55-64, and every 1-2 years at 65 and older. More frequent exams are needed if you have risk factors for eye disease or an existing condition.

Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam with dilation, pressure measurement, optic nerve assessment, and specialized testing such as visual field and OCT imaging. Plan for 1-2 hours. Please bring your glasses, medication list, previous eye records if available, and insurance information.

Dr. Joshi accepts most major insurance plans through NYU Langone Health. Please contact our office or visit the NYU Langone website to verify your specific plan before your appointment.

For sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, flashes and floaters with vision changes, or chemical injury to the eye, seek emergency care immediately at the nearest ER. For urgent but non-emergency concerns during office hours, call our office. For after-hours concerns, NYU Langone has an on-call ophthalmologist.