Introduction
Preparing for glaucoma surgery will usually involve a comprehensive eye exam with your doctor, so that they can see exactly what you’re working with and so that they understand precisely which type of procedure should be conducted moving forward. You will also likely be asked to stop taking any medications or supplements that may increase your chances of side effects.
Glaucoma surgery actually has a few different variations that will be used depending on the situation, including ones like:
Surgical Treatment of Glaucoma
In the instances where surgery is the best or only option for treating your glaucoma, the following procedures are offered at Center for Sight:
- Laser or selective laser trabeculoplasty – this procedure uses a laser to increase the outflow of internal eye fluid by altering the drainage tissue of the eye. Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a similar but newer procedure that minimizes heat damage to adjacent tissues of the eye.
- Iridotomy – a laser-based procedure that requires your physician to create a small hole in the iris to enhance its ability to drain intraocular fluid
- iStent – this procedure involves creating a tiny incision to implant a microscopic device that helps reduce pressure inside the eye
While glaucoma surgery is generally deemed a safe procedure, there are risks associated with it of which you should be aware. Your Center for Sight physician will discuss the complications and risks with your prior to the procedure.
What to Expect
It is important to remember that glaucoma surgery seeks to prevent future damage to the eye and will not offer any improvement for damage that has already been done. Following treatment, you will continue to get routine eye exams to ensure pressure is not building again, which could require you to undergo another procedure.