If you believe you may have glaucoma, you may be aware of the possibility of glaucoma surgery. Whether you're considering this procedure or getting ready for it, there are a few things you need to know. As an optometry clinic, we here at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chaple Hill, NC, know all about glaucoma and its potential treatments up to and including surgery.
Diagnosis
Glaucoma is a condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve. Typically, this is diagnosed through an eye exam, but there are several other signs that our doctor recommends you look out for including decreasing vision.
While some of the effects of glaucoma cannot be removed, there are several treatments available that do not involve surgery. Eye drops are usually prescribed to slow down the progression of the disease in its early stages. These drops cannot reverse the condition, however. They can only prolong the amount of time before surgery treatment becomes necessary.
Surgery
When it is time for surgery, your eye doctor will tell you. Typically, surgery is suggested when all other therapies are no longer able to slow down the progression of the glaucoma. Surgery is usually done on one eye at a time so that your vision is not greatly affected.
Laser Therapy
This surgery is usually conducted in-office. The eye doctor will use a small laser beam to help treat the glaucoma. Over time, this helps allow the fluid to drain and the eye will grow closer to a normal pressure level. Effects from this surgery may take some time to fully manifest.
Filtering Surgery
With a trabeculectomy, the eye surgeon creates an opening to help drain fluid that is causing the high pressure.
Drainage Tubes
In this procedure, the eye surgeon inserts a very small tube shunt into the eye. This shunt helps drain away excess fluid to lower the pressure in the eye.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or MIGS
MIGS is a procedure that generally requires less immediate post-operative care than these other procedures. There are several different types of MIGS, ask our eye doctor about which one is right for you.
Contact Us for Help with Glaucoma
If you are looking for an optometry clinic to give a diagnosis and provide treatment for or perform glaucoma surgery, and you live in the Chapel Hill, NC area, give our office a call at (919) 942-8701. Our medical professionals can help you today.