Glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans, making it a leading cause of blindness worldwide. When eye drops and pills cannot control this serious eye disease, laser eye treatment for glaucoma becomes a vital option. This advanced procedure helps protect your vision by reducing dangerous eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve.
In this article, we will explore the laser eye treatment for glaucoma in detail.
What Is Glaucoma and Why Does It Need Treatment
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve – a nerve that carries visual information from your eye to your brain. When this nerve gets damaged, you can lose your sight permanently.
High pressure inside the eye causes most types of glaucoma. This pressure builds up when fluid cannot drain properly from the eye. Over time, the increased pressure damages delicate nerve fibers in the optic nerve.
The scary truth about glaucoma is that it often has no early warning signs. Many people do not know they have it until they lose significant vision. This is why eye care doctors call glaucoma the “silent thief of sight.”
How Laser Eye Treatment for Glaucoma Works
Laser eye treatment for glaucoma uses focused light beams to improve fluid drainage from the eye. The laser creates tiny openings or changes in eye tissues to help lower eye pressure. This reduces the risk of further optic nerve damage.
Different types of laser treatments target various parts of the eye’s drainage system. Some procedures work on the trabecular meshwork, which acts like a filter for eye fluid. Others create new drainage pathways or reduce fluid production.
The laser beam is extremely precise and controlled. Eye doctors can target specific areas without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. This precision makes laser treatment safer than traditional surgery for many patients.
Types of Laser Treatments Available
The types of laser eye treatment for glaucoma are:
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT is one of the most common laser eye treatments for glaucoma. This procedure targets the trabecular meshwork to improve fluid drainage. The laser stimulates cellular changes that help fluid flow out of the eye more easily.
SLT works well for open-angle glaucoma, the most common type. SLT can lower eye pressure by 20 to 30 percent in most patients. The treatment can be repeated if pressure rises again over time.
Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)
ALT was the first laser treatment developed for glaucoma. It also targets the trabecular meshwork but uses a different type of laser than SLT. ALT creates small burns in the drainage area to improve fluid outflow.
While effective, ALT is used less often today because SLT offers similar results with fewer side effects. However, ALT remains a good option for certain patients who cannot have SLT.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
LPI treats angle-closure glaucoma, a less common but more urgent form of the disease. This procedure creates a small hole in the iris to allow fluid to flow between the eye chambers. The improved flow helps prevent dangerous pressure spikes.
Patients with narrow angles or those at risk for angle-closure attacks often receive LPI as a preventive measure. The procedure can prevent vision-threatening emergencies from occurring.
Cyclophotocoagulation
This laser treatment reduces fluid production by targeting the ciliary body. The ciliary body makes the fluid that fills the eye. By reducing fluid production, eye pressure decreases.
Doctors typically reserve cyclophotocoagulation for advanced glaucoma cases. Patients who have not responded well to other treatments may benefit from this approach.
Who Can Benefit from Laser Eye Treatment
Laser eye treatment for glaucoma helps many different types of patients.
Laser Treatment As a First-Line Therapy
People with newly diagnosed glaucoma may receive laser treatment as a first-line therapy. Others may need laser treatment when eye drops fail to control their pressure adequately.
Helpful for Those Struggling With Eye Drops
Patients who have trouble using eye drops daily often find laser treatment helpful. Some people forget to take their drops regularly or experience bothersome side effects. Laser treatment can reduce or eliminate the need for daily medications.
Safe for All Ages
Age is not a barrier to laser treatment. Both younger and older adults can safely undergo these procedures. However, the type of glaucoma and overall eye health determine the best treatment approach.
A Better Option for Certain Medical Conditions
People with certain medical conditions may be better candidates for laser treatment than traditional surgery. Those taking blood thinners or with other health issues may face fewer risks with laser procedures.
Laser Eye Treatment for Glaucoma in Washington, MO
Early detection and treatment of glaucoma are essential for preserving your sight. If you have risk factors for glaucoma or have not had an eye exam recently, schedule one today. Regular comprehensive eye exams can catch glaucoma before it steals your vision.
For expert glaucoma care and laser eye treatment options, contact Advanced Sight Center. Our experienced eye care doctors provide comprehensive eye care services to help protect your vision. We offer the latest laser treatments and personalized care plans for each patient.
Do not wait until vision loss occurs – call Advanced Sight Center today at (636) 239-1650 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help preserve your sight.
