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Dr. Luna Xu is the only glaucoma fellowship-trained surgeon in Staten Island. She performs medical and surgical treatment for glaucoma, including glaucoma laser, micro-invasive glaucoma surgery, and incisional glaucoma surgery. With years of focused medical and surgical training, Dr. Xu possesses a unique knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the fluid drainage system in the eye.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that progressively damage the optic nerve. If not detected and managed early, glaucoma lead to irreversible vision loss and potential blindness. Unfortunately, most forms of glaucoma develop with no pain or noticeable visual symptoms, making comprehensive eye exams an essential tool for protecting your eyes.
There are different ways of categorizing glaucoma. By angle anatomy, there is Open versus Narrow Angle Glaucoma. Alternatively, if we can separate the types by intraocular eye pressure (IOP) to high pressure glaucoma vs normal tension glaucoma. Or, by potential causes, into primary glaucoma (causes unknown), pigmentary glaucoma, exfoliative glaucoma, traumatic glaucoma, steroid-induced glaucoma, and neovascular glaucoma. Primary open angle glaucoma, or POAG, is characterized by an open angle (the area where the aqueous fluid drains into the trabecular meshwork). Angle closure glaucoma comprises a significant proportion of glaucoma diagnosed in Asians. If you are farsighted or if you have a family history of sudden vision loss from glaucoma, you may be at risk for acute angle closure. This happens when the iris clogs the angle where the aqueous usually drains. This leads to a sudden increase in eye pressure and acute damage to the optic nerve. Persistent narrow angle causes scarring at where fluid is drained in the eye thus increases risk of chronic angle closure glaucoma. Cataract surgery (removing the lens) may be the right choice in some cases for patients with persistent narrow angle.
The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown. Some suggest higher intraocular pressure put stress on the optic nerve, causing optic nerve degeneration, which then cause vision field loss. In other types of glaucoma, particularly, the normal tension variant, where the intraocular pressure has not been documented to be "elevated," there are theories suggesting it is related to vasospasm or inadequate blood supply to the optic nerve, causing optic nerve damage, which then causes visual field loss. There are many types of glaucoma. In general, the term glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve, causing optic nerve dysfunction.
I was so nervous about getting my glaucoma and cataract surgery but Dr. Xu assured me that getting it done will vastly improve my vision ( I also have macular degeneration in the same eye). The care and courtesy on th…
AnneMarie · 4 months ago
I had been going to another ophthalmologist for glaucoma and I was allergic to most of the medications he gave me. That doctor said he was sorry, but there was nothing he could do for me so he was going to send me to…
C · 4 months ago
Dr Xu understands the struggles patients go through with taking various glaucoma medications and well-familiar with their side effects. Through a holistic approach to medicine, Dr Xu treats each patient as a whole rather than a single symptom. She uses evidence-based, cutting-edge research to guide her omni glaucoma treatment in Staten Island. We create a personalized comprehensive glaucoma plan for each patient, balancing pressure lowering and decreasing side effects. Our approach is appropriately conservative when needed, yet not afraid to recommend glaucoma laser or surgery when appropriate.
