glaucoma surgery.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that lead to damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. In many cases, damage to the optic nerve is due to increased pressure in the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness. In fact, it is the second leading cause of blindness in the US.

There are many different types of glaucoma, and they can affect all age groups. One glaucoma patient may have sudden pain and redness, while another has no symptoms at all. It is important to learn as much as you can about glaucoma and to have your eyes examined by your doctor on a regular basis.

In the healthy eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor circulates inside the front portion of your eye. To maintain a constant healthy eye pressure, your eye continually produces a small amount of aqueous humor while an equal amount of this fluid flows out of your eye. If you have glaucoma, the aqueous humor does not flow out of the eye properly. Fluid pressure in the eye builds up and, over time, causes damage to the optic nerve fibers The goal of treatment is to reduce eye pressure. Depending on the type of glaucoma, this is done using medication, surgery or a combination of as prescribed by your physician.

surgery, treatment & prevention.

There are several different kinds of surgeries available to treat various types of glaucoma. Generally, your doctor won't recommend glaucoma surgery until medication has been tried first. And even after surgery, medication may still be needed to control your intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma Treatment Options Include:

Medication: Medicated eye drops are the most common way to treat glaucoma. These medications lower your eye pressure in one of two ways — either by slowing the production of aqueous humor or by improving the flow through the drainage angle. However in some patients, surgery is recommended.

Types of Glaucoma Surgery:

Glaucoma surgery improves the flow of fluid out of the eye, resulting in lower eye pressure two ways — either by slowing the production of aqueous humor or by improving the flow through the drainage angle.

Conventional Glaucoma Surgery called trabeculectomy or filtering microsurgery is one option. In conventional surgery, the surgeon makes a new opening for fluid to leave the eye. The surgery is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center under local anesthesia. The surgeon removes a tiny piece of the wall of the eye, called the sclera, leaving a tiny hole through which the aqueous fluid can drain out under the conjunctiva. Laser procedures include Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty and Laser Peripheral Iridotomy. Your physician will discuss with you the best option for your particular case.

Terms & Conditions

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