Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma is a group of diseases in which the pressure in the eye is higher than that
particular eye can tolerate. The nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve become
compressed and can be damaged or destroyed. This is called cupping. The optic nerve
fibers are the "electrical cable" carrying sight from the eye to the brain, and damage to
these fibers impairs vision.
Treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma
Open Angle Glaucoma is usually first treated with eye drops. If eye drops are insufficient
to achieve satisfactory control, laser therapy (trabeculoplasty) may be added. For patients
requiring additional intervention, glaucoma surgery may be performed.
Treatment of Angle Closure (narrow angle) Glaucoma
Angle Closure (narrow angle glaucoma) therapy initially involves making a small opening
(iridectomy) in the iris to relieve the blockage of fluid that causes angle closure. The
procedure is performed painlessly with use of a laser on an outpatient basis. Depending on
the extent of irreversible angle closure, medicines and surgery are sometimes added to
treatment to satisfactorily control intraocular pressure.
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Glaucoma Surgery