Glaucoma Laser Treatment
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) rises dangerously high, damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss. In a healthy eye, fluid is produced in the ciliary body, enters the eye, and then drains through tiny passages called the trabecular meshwork. In people with glaucoma, these passages become blocked and intraocular pressure rises.
Narrow angles and narrow angle glaucoma
Many people are born with eyes that are shorter than average and can lead to a narrowing of the anterior chamber of the eye. This can lead to a risk of that angle closing off completely resulting in an attack of angle closure glaucoma, which can be devastating and lead to permanent visual loss. This finding is picked up on a routine eye exam and has no symptoms until the attack occurs. When your doctor sees this, a laser procedure can be performed to prevent an attack called laser iridotomy. A tiny opening is made in the iris or colored part of the eye and is a lifelong cure. At Island Eye Surgery we use a state of the art YAG laser to treat this preventable condition.
SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasy)
For open angle glaucoma which is a chronic life long condition there is a special laser procedure called SLT which we perform in the office. Using a precise laser beam the outflow channel where fluid leaves the eye is reshaped to allow more to escape, thereby lowering the pressure in the eye. It can be used as a stand alone therapy or in conjunction with drops. It is safe and works 80% of the time, and can be repeated throughout a person’s lifetime.
For more information on SLT, click here.
