Glaucoma Surgery -
Treat Glaucoma with Laser
or Conventional Methods

Glaucoma surgery is the tentative solution available now to help treat glaucoma.

Well, even though there's no cure, at least something can be done about it :)

The 2 forms of surgery performed for the treatment of glaucoma are laser and conventional methods.

Let's talk about laser first.

For open angle glaucoma, laser trabeculoplasty is performed. In this case, the trabecular meshwork is stimulated by an argon laser and the subsequent opening of the mesh allows more aqueous fluid to flow.

As for angle closure glaucoma, laser peripheral iridectomy is performed instead. This time, an opening is made by the laser on the iris. This opening acts as a new channel for fluid to flow, since the dilated pupil is blocked.

Then there's the conventional method, the most common being trabeculectomy. In the scleral wall of the eye, a flap of partial thickness is made, while a portion of the trabecular meshwork is removed through a window opening made under the flap. The scleral flap is then sutured loosely back in place.

The intraocular pressure is relieved as a result, since this opening allows fluid to flow out.

However, scarring sometimes occur around or over the flap opening and this lessens the effectiveness of the procedure.

Other conventional methods not described here include the Molteno Implant or the Bearveldt tube shunt.

Speak with your ophthalmologist to see which procedure is best suited for your specific eye problem.

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