Upstate ophthalmologist Preethi Ganapathy, MD, PhD (photo by Jim Howe)
Early detection of glaucoma is key to preserving vision
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It can hit at any age but is more common in people older than 60. Upstate ophthalmologist Preethi Ganapathy, MD, PhD, explains that glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve and increased pressure within the eye. The condition tends to affect one's vision at the edges first. A complete eye exam, with eye drops, is needed on a regular basis to detect glaucoma early, when its progress can best be slowed, she says, since there is no cure. Treatment to lower the pressure can include drops and/or laser surgery. Ganapathy conducts glaucoma research as well as treating patients; she is an assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences and of neuroscience and physiology.
