Glaucoma Surgery at Ingram Comprehensive Eye Care
Glaucoma can cause blindness without successful treatment. While many glaucoma patients get the vision-saving care they need from eye drops or oral drugs, others need a more invasive and permanent solution for stubborn or severe glaucoma. If your condition resists medication, our optometrist at Ingram Comprehensive Eye Care in Columbia, SC, or Forest Acres, SC, can advise you on your glaucoma surgery options.
When to Consider Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma involves progressive, permanent damage to the optic nerves, usually due to abnormally high fluid pressure inside the eye. The eye typically produces a constant supply of internal fluid, with the excess escaping through a drainage mesh. When that drainage mesh malfunctions, the ever-increasing pressure destroys optic nerve fibers.
Our optometrist can treat glaucoma with great success using medicated eye drops. Some eye drops to reduce the amount of fluid the eye produces, while others improve the performance of the drainage mesh so more fluid can escape. In addition, oral medications can enhance the effectiveness of eye drops.
Although, some individuals can't control their fluid eye pressure with medication. If our optometrist notices your eye pressure isn't reaching a safe level, you may need a referral for glaucoma surgery to preserve your eyesight.
Types of Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma surgery can be performed either by laser or traditional surgical tools. Laser trabeculoplasty modifies the drainage mesh to work more efficiently and is recommended for open-angle glaucoma. If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, you may need a laser peripheral iridotomy. This procedure makes a tiny opening in the iris to provide additional fluid drainage.
If the effects of laser glaucoma surgery don't last, you may benefit from an incisional procedure called a trabeculectomy. Like laser iridotomy, this procedure makes a hole to allow for better drainage. However, the surgeon makes a hole in the sclera (the white of the eye) instead of the iris. Even if the eye tries to heal by closing the gap, you can repeat the surgery to protect your optic nerves from further damage.
Speak with Our Optometrist
If you've struggled with glaucoma in Forest Acres or Columbia, SC, and conservative treatment techniques can't bring the condition under control, schedule a consultation at Ingram Comprehensive Eye Care in Columbia, SC, or Forest Acres, SC. Our optometrist can determine what glaucoma surgery might best serve your needs and then refer you to a reputable eye surgeon for the procedure. Call us at (803) 782-7080 to schedule an appointment.