GLAUCOMA SURGERY CO-MANAGEMENT
When is surgery used for
glaucoma treatment?
In general, surgery isn’t the first line of treatment for glaucoma. But if other treatments fail, glaucoma surgery may be able to save your vision.
GLAUCOMA SURGERY TREATMENT
Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure by improving the eye’s fluid drainage. When pressure remains too high, it can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss. Although medicated eye drops are often the first line of defense, they may not be sufficient or appropriate for everyone.
Key points about glaucoma treatment:
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Eye drops can reduce pressure but may cause side effects such as systemic hypertension
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Some patients require rapid pressure reduction that drops alone cannot provide
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Elevated pressure left uncontrolled risks permanent optic nerve damage
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If medication is ineffective or not tolerated, surgery becomes the next option
In cases where eye drops fail to control pressure or cause serious side effects, your Atkinson Eye Care specialist may recommend a surgical procedure to achieve a more reliable reduction in intraocular pressure.
TYPES OF GLAUCOMA SURGERY
Laser procedures are usually the first surgical step in glaucoma care and are performed on an outpatient basis. Common options include:
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Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)
Uses an argon laser to treat the eye’s drainage channels, clearing blockages and improving fluid outflow. -
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Employs low-energy laser pulses to target only the cells causing high pressure, often after ALT has provided partial relief. -
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
Creates a tiny opening in the outer edge of the iris to relieve pressure in cases of narrow-angle glaucoma, where fluid becomes trapped between the iris and cornea. -
Cyclophotocoagulation
Directs laser energy through the white of the eye (sclera) into the ciliary body to reduce the production of intraocular fluid. This treatment can be repeated as needed to maintain healthy pressure levels.
CONVENTIONAL NON-LASER GLAUCOMA SURGERY
If laser surgery does not lower your eye pressure sufficiently, your doctor may recommend one of the following procedures:
Trabeculectomy
A small opening is created in the sclera (the white of the eye) to remove a portion of the trabecular meshwork, allowing excess fluid to drain. Anti-scarring medication is applied to help maintain the new drainage pathway. Clinical data show this procedure reduces pressure in roughly 60–80 percent of patients and tends to work best in those without prior eye surgery or trauma.
Drainage Implant Surgery
A tiny biocompatible tube and plate are implanted to provide an alternate outflow route for aqueous fluid. Many minimally invasive devices are available, each designed to lower pressure with a reduced risk of complications.
Electrocautery (Trabectome)
A specialized device delivers controlled heat to the trabecular meshwork via a micro-incision in the drainage angle. This targeted coagulation increases outflow and is less invasive than trabeculectomy or traditional implants, offering faster recovery and fewer postoperative adjustments.
Risks of Glaucoma Surgery
The primary long-term risk of glaucoma surgery is an increased chance of developing cataracts. Other potential complications include:
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Persistent redness of the eye
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Discomfort or pain in the operated eye
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Fluctuations in intraocular pressure, either too high or too low
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Infection within the eye
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Inflammation or bleeding inside the eye
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Unintended vision loss
Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma surgery becomes a vital option when eye drops and lasers prove ineffective or inappropriate. By creating or reopening drainage pathways, surgery helps protect your optic nerve from further damage and preserves your remaining vision. If a surgical opening begins to close over time, the procedure can be safely repeated. Although surgery cannot restore vision already lost to glaucoma, it can halt progression and safeguard what you still have.
For early detection and optimal management of glaucoma, be sure to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with our specialists.
MEET OUR EYE CARE TEAM
With over 30 years of experience, our doctors and staff partner correct treatments with personable care.
Atkinson Eye Care provides innovative eye care services to patients from in and around Algonquin. We offer comprehensive eye health assessments, ocular disease diagnosis and treatment, contact lens evaluation and fitting, and prescriptions.
The team at Atkinson Eye Care aims to provide the best possible solution for the patient's eye health and vision needs. By utilizing the latest technologies and evidence-based treatments, we can ensure that each patient maintains optimal eye health. We welcome new patients and accept most major forms of insurance.