Advanced Glaucoma Surgery and Treatments
At ReFocus Eye Health, we understand the urgency of detecting and managing glaucoma to prevent irreversible damage. Our advanced diagnostics catch glaucoma early, guiding personalized treatment plans. From in-office YAG laser procedures to sophisticated glaucoma surgeries, we safeguard your vision, ensuring a brighter and clearer future.
Glaucoma Explained
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, the bundle of nerves that carries visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is often caused by increased pressure in your eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
Glaucoma develops when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. This fluid drains typically through a mesh-like tissue called the trabecular meshwork. However, in people with glaucoma, this meshwork doesn’t function correctly, and the fluid builds up, causing an increase in IOP.
There are several types of glaucoma, but the two most common are:
- Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting about 3 million Americans. In open-angle glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork is open, but it doesn’t function properly, leading to a gradual increase in IOP.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: This is a less common type of glaucoma, affecting about 1 million Americans. In angle-closure glaucoma, the iris, the colored part of your eye, blocks fluid drainage from the eye, leading to a sudden and significant increase in IOP.
What Are the Signs of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. There are, however, some early signs that may indicate the development of the disease.
Managing Glaucoma With YAG Laser Treatments and More
Our approach to managing glaucoma aims to lower IOP to prevent or slow further optic nerve damage and vision loss. We utilize advanced diagnostics to assess the severity and type of glaucoma. Common treatment options include:
- Medication: Prescription eye drops or oral medications can help reduce IOP by either increasing fluid drainage from the eye or decreasing fluid production.
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), can improve fluid drainage from the eye, reducing IOP.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical procedures may be recommended. Trabeculectomy, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), or other surgical interventions can enhance fluid drainage from the eye.
- YAG Laser: For certain types of glaucoma or related conditions, a YAG laser may be used for procedures such as laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) or laser trabeculoplasty.
- Combination Therapies: Depending on the severity of glaucoma, a combination of medications, laser therapy, and surgery may be employed to manage IOP effectively.
Regular follow-up appointments ensure your treatment plan adapts to your unique requirements, emphasizing our commitment to preserving your vision and overall eye health.
Trust ReFocus Eye Health for expert care in the management of your glaucoma.