Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to irreversible blindness if it is not caught early and treated adequately. Thankfully, there are many treatments for glaucoma. These include both medication and surgery.
When eye drops and oral medications don’t work, or produce intolerable side effects, it’s probably time to get in contact with a Glaucoma Surgeon in Green Bay WI to discuss other options. There are several different types of surgery available depending on what kind of glaucoma a patient has and how far the disease has progressed.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery is a popular intermediary between drugs and traditional surgery. The most common type of laser surgery performed to address open-angle glaucoma is known as an argon laser trabeculoplasty. This painless procedure can be performed right in the doctor’s office.
In addition to argon laser trabeculoplasty, selective laser trabeculoplasty is also used to treat open-angle glaucoma. It is a newer procedure, and utilizes lower levels of energy, making it possible to repeat the procedure if needed.
Cycloablation for Open-Angle Glaucoma
When other more traditional treatments have failed to be effective, cycloablation is considered a good alternative. This procedure uses a laser to destroy select portions of the ciliary body tissue and can be performed either directly through a surgical incision or indirectly by penetrating the outer sclera.
Laser Treatment for Angle-Closure Glaucoma
For patients with angle-closure glaucoma, laser peripheral iridotomy is one of the most popular laser surgeries. This procedure involves using a laser to create an opening in the iris, which allows the fluid to flow freely from behind the iris into the eye’s anterior chamber.
Traditional Surgery
If laser therapy proves ineffective, conventional surgery may be required. A procedure known as a trabeculectomy can be performed on patients suffering from both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Other common surgical treatments involve the placement of a drainage implant within the eye to relieve pressure.
Get Help Today
The first step toward determining what type of treatment will be most effective is to get in contact with a Glaucoma Surgeon in Green Bay WI.
