Lasers and Glaucoma CT

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause abnormally high intraocular pressure (pressure inside your eye), which can then cause damage to your optic nerve. Should this condition go untreated, there is a risk of vision loss.

There are various ways glaucoma can be treated, with or without the use of laser technology. Any procedure aimed at treating glaucoma is designed to either decrease the production of the aqueous humor (intraocular fluid) or increase the drainage of this fluid. In some instances, a single procedure will accomplish both goals.

The first step in treating glaucoma is to determine the type of glaucoma the patient has. Based on this, your doctor will recommend the most suitable action. Some patients may begin a regimen of treatment with topical eye medication or oral medication.

In some instances, surgery may be required to reduce intraocular pressure to a safer level. Dr. Gold has worked with Lasers and glaucoma for years, and although he now concentrates on Laser Vision Correction he can refer patients to a glaucoma expert who can help you understand the process that could possibly eliminate the need for continued use of eye drops.

The laser treatment for glaucoma is a procedure called laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT. Opting for laser trabeculoplasty may be ideal for patients who would prefer not to rely on the use of eye drops to treat their glaucoma, or those who would have difficulty in complying with the strict schedule required for an eye drop regimen.

Laser Trabeculoplasty

The laser trabeculoplasty is performed so as to increase the outflow of the fluid which travels through the eye by opening the drainage angle with a focused beam of light. When the outflow is increased, the pressure in the eye is decreased and vision is improved. There are two different procedures that can accomplish this goal, the Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), which uses a laser, and the Selective laser trabeculoplasty, which uses a lower-level laser.

This type of laser eye surgery is ideal, for it can be performed without the need for hospitalization. To complete this procedure:

• Eye drops are administered in order to decrease the amount of fluid in the eyes. This also prevents an elevation in eye pressure following treatment.
• The glaucoma expert uses a special microscope and lens to guide the laser beam to the canals that drain fluid from the eye.
• Small burns are made to these canals.
• This treatment is basically painless. You might feel a little twinge of discomfort.

If you experience symptoms of glaucoma or any other vision impairment, schedule a comprehensive exam with Dr. Gold; your eyes will thank you.

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