Glaucoma Laser Surgeries

There are several surgical approaches when treating Glaucoma and a professional analysis with our staff will advise you of the appropriate procedure for your condition.

This procedure provides instant relief for a sudden onset of closed-angle glaucoma, which is a very acute and rapid increase in frontal eye pressure due to the buildup of aqueous humor (eye fluid). If not treated immediately, closed-angle glaucoma can cause irreversible damage to the eye and even blindness. Laser Iridotomy is an out-patient procedures were an ophthalmologist creates a point of drainage in the iris providing instant relief and preventing damage associated with closed-angle glaucoma.

Patients suffering with open-angle glaucoma who have difficulty maintaining results with drops and medication may opt for a surgical solution through Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT.

This in-office surgical procedure uses low-energy light to target the internal drainage channel of the eye and allow it to work more efficiently, improving fluid flow while avoiding damage to surrounding tissue. The laser stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, which improves fluid flow, while only targeting pigmented cells. This procedure greatly reduces scar tissue,lowers eye pressure for several years, but may need to be repeated in the future to maintain proper drainage function.

For advanced or aggressive cases of open-angle glaucoma, the patient may be advised to undergo a Laser Cyclophotocoagulation. This procedure is usually conducted when other treatments have proven unsuccessful. This surgery targets the ciliary body within the eye—the part of the eye responsible for production of fluid. If the ciliary body is not functioning properly, the pressure in the frontal portion of the eye will not drain, resulting in glaucoma. An ophthalmologist cuts part of the ciliary body so that it will make less fluid and reduce eye pressure. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is followed up with exams to monitor eye pressure and inflammation.