Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a long-term eye condition that can damage the optic nerve, leading to a gradual and permanent loss of side vision if it's not treated. Glaucoma often doesn't cause pain, and some types may not have noticeable symptoms until the disease is more advanced. Many people with glaucoma have high eye pressure, but it's possible to have glaucoma even with normal pressure. It's important to have regular eye exams, including a dilated eye exam, to catch glaucoma early. There are various treatment options, such as eye drops or surgery.

Glaucoma Screening

You can expect a few quick and painless tests that help check for early signs of glaucoma. Your eye doctor will first measure the pressure inside your eyes. They will also examine your optic nerve to look for any signs of damage. You may have a visual field test to check your peripheral (side) vision, which is often affected by glaucoma. These tests provide a comprehensive assessment to detect glaucoma early and help protect your vision.

Laser treatments for glaucoma are commonly used to help lower the pressure inside the eye when medications alone aren't enough.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI):

LPI is used for people with narrow-angle or angle-closure glaucoma. It creates a small hole in the iris (the colored part of the eye) to help fluid flow more freely.
By creating a tiny opening in the iris, the laser allows fluid to move more easily within the eye, preventing pressure buildup. The procedure is quick and recovery is usually fast.

Treatments

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT):

SLT helps to reduce eye pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma by improving the eye's drainage system. The laser targets specific cells in the eye's drainage area, helping fluid flow out more easily. This reduces pressure inside the eye.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) can be performed at the same time as cataract surgery. The combined surgery can help reduce eye pressure, which is important for managing glaucoma, while also improving vision by removing the cataract.

iStent Trabecular micro-bypass device
Kahook Dual blade
other surgical options