Treating Glaucoma

Glaucoma can be treated in a number of different ways. One common method is to use eye drops every day to lower your eye pressure. Another treatment approach is to undergo a short, in-office laser procedure. Finally, some patients may require surgical treatment in the operating room. Our goal is to offer patients multiple treatment options for their glaucoma while choosing an approach that best suits their individual needs.

Eye Drops

Most patients who have glaucoma can be managed by using daily eye drops. Sometimes, a single medication may be enough, while at other times multiple medications may be necessary. There are some potential downsides to using daily eye drops, such as having to maintain consistency, difficulty getting them into the eye, ocular and other side effects, as well as the cost of medications. However, most of the time, these issues can be managed or avoided altogether by finding the right choice of drops for you.

Laser Treatment

There are times when an in-office laser procedure will be recommended as an important part of your treatment. Two common procedures are Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). An LPI is performed to treat or prevent angle closure, while SLT is performed to lower your eye pressure by improving your drainage system’s function. Both laser procedures are relatively low-risk and do not require any activity restrictions afterwards. For most patients, laser treatment take less than 5 minutes and does not cause any pain. If you would like to know if you are a candidate for a laser treatment, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.

Glaucoma Surgery

For patients whose eye pressure is still too high despite treatment attempts with eye drops and in-office laser, there may be a number of surgical options available. These procedures can be performed either alone or in combination with cataract surgery. Each surgical approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and we will discuss with you what you need to know so that you can make an informed decision.

We have extensive experience with conventional glaucoma surgeries (Trabeculectomy and Tube-Shunt procedures) as well as the newer Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures. We also offer laser surgeries in the operating room. Your individual circumstances will help us determine which surgical approach is best for you.