How is Glaucoma Treated?
The main goal of all types of glaucoma treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP). This can be achieved using one or a combination of eye drops, SLT(selective laser trabeculoplasty), or in more advanced cases a combination of the two or glaucoma surgery. Laser iridotomy is usually necessary to treat narrow angle glaucoma in addition to eye drops.
- Eye drops are used once to three times daily. They lower the eye pressures by decreasing the fluid (aqueous) production, increasing the outflow from the eye, or both.
- SLT is used to treat open angle glaucoma. It is a low-energy laser treatment to create a slight inflammation to open the drainage channels. SLT’s success is about 80-85%.
- Laser iridotomy is used to treat the narrow angle type of glaucoma. By creating a small permanent opening in the iris (the color membrane part of the eye), fluid can drain through it rather than through the pupil when the narrow angle occlusion happens.
Glaucoma Surgeries
Lee Surgery Center offers a wide range of glaucoma surgeries including:
- Trabeculoplasty
- Express shunt
- Ahmed valve
Glaucoma Laser
Two types of glaucoma lasers are available, SLT and Laser Iridotomy.
- SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) is used treat the open angle glaucoma. It takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
- Laser iridotomy is used to treat occludable narrow angles and narrow angle glaucoma. It also takes only a few minutes. Both lasers require no post-operative restrictions.
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