In-office laser and operative options for open-angle glaucoma
Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is an in-office laser procedure used to treat open-angle
glaucoma. This type of glaucoma usually occurs due to high eye pressure. The fluid in the
front of the eye — the aqueous humor — is not draining properly. ALT helps increase the
drainage to lower eye pressure.
This surgery is similar to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Both procedures use a
laser to improve aqueous humor outflow through a spongy drainage meshwork in the eye,
lowering eye pressure. ALT uses a higher-energy laser than SLT. The lower-energy laser used
during SLT is absorbed by only particular pigmented tissue in the eye. As a result, SLT
usually has less scarring and allows for multiple treatments if needed. ALT does not allow
for repeated treatments.
Glaucoma surgery can help lower the pressure inside the eye in people with glaucoma. When
the pressure in the eye is too high, the risk of vision loss increases due to damage to the
optic nerve, which sends signals from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma surgery cannot recover
lost vision but can help prevent further vision loss.
Advanced Option
U.C.P (Ultrasound Cycloplasty)
Ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) is a non-incisional procedure that utilizes high-intensity
focused ultrasound (HIFU) to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with
glaucoma.
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· Effective for both refractory and non-refractory glaucoma cases where traditional
surgery may not be suitable.
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· The technique involves controlled thermal coagulation of the ciliary body, leading
to a decrease in aqueous humor production, which helps lower IOP.
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· Studies have shown that UCP is safe and effective for treating advanced or
refractory glaucoma.
This innovative approach offers a promising alternative for managing glaucoma in
patients who may not respond well to conventional treatments.
Glaucoma Surgeries
If glaucoma medicines and laser treatment haven't helped to treat your glaucoma, your
doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery can't cure glaucoma or undo vision loss, but it
can help protect your vision and stop it from getting worse.
There are a few different types of surgery for glaucoma that can help lower the pressure in
your eye:
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Trabeculectomy
tra-BECK-yoo-LECK-toh-mee
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Glaucoma implant surgery
Tube shunt placement
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MIGS
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery
If you need glaucoma surgery in both eyes, your doctor will only do surgery on 1 eye at a
time.
After Surgery
Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to help prevent swelling and infections, and
you'll need to use them for several weeks. These eye drops are different from other
glaucoma eye drops you may already use. While you recover, you may need to avoid some
activities for 2 to 4 weeks, like lifting anything heavy. You'll also need check-ups
with your doctor to make sure your eye is healing well.
Risks & Long-Term Outlook
For some people, the benefits of surgery last a long time. For others, the opening in the
eye begins to close up and they need surgery again. You'll need regular check-ups with
your doctor to test your eye pressure. Research shows that trabeculectomy can lower eye
pressure in about 7 out of 10 people. It may work best in people who haven't had an eye
injury or another eye surgery.
Glaucoma surgery can have side effects, just like any operation. For example, your eye may
be swollen and sore for a while. Other possible risks of glaucoma surgery include cataract,
problems with the cornea (the clear front layer of your eye), eye pressure that's too
low, and vision loss. We'll go over the pros and cons of surgery with you. Together, we
can make a treatment plan that's right for you.
