Glaucoma surgery lowers intraocular pressure in the eye and prevents further damage to the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60.
Your ophthalmologist can perform glaucoma surgery on an outpatient basis – meaning a hospital stay is unnecessary. If you suffer from glaucoma, contact Zimm Cataract and Laser Center to learn more about these procedures.
We perform glaucoma surgery to lower the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP) – the primary modifiable risk factor for glaucoma. By reducing IOP, glaucoma surgery can help slow down or prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision in individuals with glaucoma. Glaucoma surgery may be necessary if eye drops and/or medication
Additionally, glaucoma surgery can sometimes be done in conjunction with cataract surgery. If you know you need both cataract and glaucoma surgery, speak to your doctor at Zimm Cataract and Laser Center to determine if you are a candidate to have these procedures done in tandem.
We offer several options for glaucoma surgery at Zimm Cataract and Laser Center, including:
SLT is a laser procedure used to treat open-angle glaucoma by applying laser energy to the trabecular meshwork – a tissue in the eye responsible for the drainage of aqueous humor. SLT can improve drainage and lower intraocular pressure by increasing the permeability of the trabecular meshwork without causing tissue damage.
These are newer, less invasive procedures used in conjunction with cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure.
Goniotomy: Cuts to the first layer of the natural drain system (trabecular meshwork). This allows the fluid to leave the eye more easily and lowers the eye pressure. Can be performed in conjunction with a Canaloplasty to treat the entire 360° of the trabecular meshwork. A Goniotomy can be done in conjunction with cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure.
Hydrus Microstent: This small device, or stent, is an 8mm nickel/titanium alloy implant placed into Schlemm’s canal to decrease intraocular pressure via 3 mechanisms that enhance aqueous outflow from the anterior chamber. Insertion of a Hydrus Microstent can only be done at the same time as cataract surgery.
This minimally invasive glaucoma procedure involves implanting a small biodegradable rod containing the medication bimatoprost into the eye. The medication is released slowly over several months, reducing intraocular pressure and delaying the need for additional eye drops. The implant is typically used for patients with open-angle glaucoma who have not responded to other treatments.
There are several reasons why glaucoma surgery may be necessary or recommended, including:
The decision to undergo glaucoma surgery should be made in consultation with an experienced eye surgeon and based on an individual's medical history, glaucoma severity, and other relevant factors.
Allowing glaucoma to develop without treatment results in vision loss or blindness. If glaucoma is detected, one of the treatment options listed above may reduce or prevent vision loss.
Consult with your ophthalmologist at Zimm Cataract and Laser Center to see if glaucoma surgery is an option for you.