Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. For reasons that are not completely understood the optic nerve degenerates over time and results in vision loss. There are a few risk factors for glaucoma such as family history, eye pressure, appearance of the nerve, race and age that are taken into consideration. The only risk factor we can change in the treatment of glaucoma is intraocular pressure (eye pressure). This can be done through eye drops, laser procedures, sustained-release implants, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and traditional glaucoma surgery. Read about each of these below.
Methods to intervene with Eye pressure
There are a number of methods used to decrease eye pressure and help reduce the rate at which vision loss can occur. Below are a number of methods Dr. Bedrood uses. Sometimes it can be as simple as optimizing your current eye drop regimen or you may need more advanced surgery. Book an appointment with her to see which you are a candidate for.
Treatment Options
Eye drops and drop-less therapy
Topical eye drops help reduce the eye pressure. These drops are placed in the eye daily by the patient. There are a number of different classes of eye drops. An eye exam and discussion about your medical history is important before starting any eye drops. More recently, there are “dropless” methods that allow the physician to place the medication in the eye and may eliminate the need for patients to take drops on a daily basis.
minimally invasive glaucoma surgery
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a style of surgery in which the eye pressure is lowered with minimal disruption of the tissues of the eyes. These surgeries can be performed using various methods. One method is in the “angle” which is responsible for the drainage of the eye. Other methods include placing small stents or tubes that help reduce the pressure of the eye. MIGS surgery can be done in early to advanced glaucoma.
Glaucoma laser treatment
There are two types of glaucoma laser treatments. One is called a laser peripheral iridotomy and is used to help open the angle (drainage system) in patients with narrow angle glaucoma. The other laser is called selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and is used to stimulate the drainage system and reduce the eye pressure.
Traditional glaucoma surgery
Traditional glaucoma surgery includes placing tubes into the eye (glaucoma tube shunt surgery) or creating a natural passageway for the fluid of the eye to leave (trabeculectomy), thereby reducing the pressure. These types of surgeries have been used for many years and have a high success rate but because of the more involved nature of the surgery they tend to be reserved for more advanced glaucoma patients.