The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, pills, laser treatment and surgical operations are used to prevent or slow further damage. If glaucoma is diagnosed, periodic examinations are very important to prevent vision loss. Glaucoma can worsen without any noticeable signs, and treatment protocols may need to be adjusted over time.

 

The most common disease management treatment for glaucoma are eye drops, sometimes in combination with pills. These medications work to decrease eye pressure.

 

Laser surgery is used to treat glaucoma in one of two ways. In open-angle glaucoma, the form of the disease in which the drainage angle of the eye becomes less efficient over time, a cold laser is used to modify the drain itself to control pressure. This procedure is called SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty). Because the SLT uses a “cold” laser, the treatment very safe and gentle. It does not cause scarring or damage to the eye. The treatment has virtually no side effects and most patients are able to eliminate or reduce the quantity of prescription medications, eye drops, surgery and other invasive treatments required to control the disease.

 

In closed angle glaucoma, a condition in which the drainage angle of the eye is completely blocked, the laser creates a hole in the iris to improve the flow of aqueous fluid to the drain. This procedure is called iridotomy.

 

Both of these procedures are performed in our office.

 

During surgical treatment for glaucoma, an ophthalmologist uses miniature instruments to create a new drainage channel for the aqueous fluid to leave the eye, thus lowering pressure. This procedure is performed in a hospital under local anesthesia.