M.O.

I have narrow-angle glaucoma. This means that my iris is pulled forward on an irregular basis, blocking the parts of my eye that allow fluids to drain. As a result, the pressure inside my eye can oscillate significantly and cause serious harm to my optic nerves.

It’s an unpleasant and frightening condition to have. What’s more, it can be dangerous. When I had attacks, I experienced pain in my eyes and head as well as visual disturbances, nausea, and even loss of sight. Each attack could last minutes or hours, and sometimes doesn’t stop until the internal pressure on my eye is reduced. Without treatment, I could go completely blind.

Early in the morning on Oct. 30, I had a sudden spike in my eye pressure. My vision was so blurry, I could barely see or do anything. I have a tonometer, an implement to gauge the internal pressure of my eye, at home. But I was feeling so ill, I didn’t have the strength to use it.

A few hours later, I finally managed to check my eye pressure. It was 62, significantly higher than the healthy range of between 12 and 22. I knew I was experiencing a medical emergency. Thankfully, my son suggested that we go to the New Jersey Eye Center. He drove me to Bergenfield himself.

There, glaucoma specialist Dr. Frank Parisi checked my eyes. He recommended that I undergo an iridotomy laser procedure immediately, and performed it himself that very day. Since then, my eye pressure has been stable. I have had no more narrow-angle glaucoma attacks, and my ocular health is so much better than it has been in a long time.

I was touched and impressed by Dr. Parisi’s quick reaction and action, as well as the thoughtful care of his staff. There was no wait at all, and everyone was so caring. Their quick actions and great attitudes helped reassure me in the midst of an emergency. What’s more, they may very well have saved my vision.