Glaucoma Surgery

in Visalia, Fresno and Tulare, California

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the catch-all name for a group of similar eye diseases, characterized by an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by either too high production of aqueous fluid, or inadequate drainage of the aqueous through the anterior chamber angle. The pressure of the fluid causes damage to the retina and optic nerve, and can cause total, irreversible blindness if left untreated. It is the leading cause of blindness in African-Americans over 40, and the second leading cause in anyone over 60.

There are different varieties of glaucoma, such as:

• Open angle glaucoma: The most common variety, most often found in both eyes. Aqueous fluid does not drain properly, despite the fact that the anterior angle appears to be open.
• Narrow angle glaucoma: The anterior chamber angle is narrow or partly blocked off by the iris.
• Closed angle glaucoma: A sudden rise in IOP due to inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid, usually found in patients with a narrow anterior chamber angle.

How a patient with glaucoma sees. (Simulation)

How Can You Tell You Have Glaucoma?

Many people have glaucoma and do not know it. Glaucoma is painless, and can cause a lot of damage before any loss of vision is noticed. The best way to determine the presence of glaucoma is to have regular checkups with your eye care specialist. An IOP measurement is a regular part of the examination. Some of the later symptoms of glaucoma are loss of side (peripheral) vision, headaches, difficulty focusing on near objects, and frequent changes of prescription glasses.

Anyone, young or old, can get glaucoma, but you may be at greater risk if you:

• Are over 40 years old
• Are over 40 and have not been getting your eyes checked regularly
• Are of African-American descent
• Are diabetic
• Are myopic (nearsighted)
• Have a history of glaucoma in your family

How Can Glaucoma Be Treated?

Glaucoma cannot be cured. Once damage has been done, it cannot be reversed. The best way to treat it is to catch it early and halt its progression. Regular examinations can spot the presence of glaucoma and help to determine the necessary treatment. The Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph is one device used in our office to track glaucoma.

There are some prescription drops that can help by either reducing production of aqueous fluid or aiding drainage. In the event that simple medication does not help, there are surgical procedures available to help fluid drain from the eye. The following glaucoma surgery procedures may not improve your vision (in fact, it is most likely your vision will never be as good as it was before), but they can save your remaining sight by halting the pressure buildup.

• Laser trabeculoplasty - This procedure is used for patients with open angle glaucoma. A YAG or argon laser is used to burn tiny holes on the inside of your eye, which will allow the aqueous fluid to drain more easily.
• Trabeculectomy - This procedure used to involve cutting out a piece of the sclera to allow the aqueous fluid to drain more easily.
• AquaFlow implant (Click here to visit the STAAR Surgical site) - This procedure, intended for patients with open angle glaucoma, is less invasive than a trabeculectomy. A small flap of the sclera is pulled up from the "roof" of Schlemm's Canal. A tube-shaped AquaFlow implant is placed inside the eye, and the flap is sutured shut. The implant negates the need for the total removal of a piece of the sclera, and greatly reduces the risk of infection. Click here to view AquaFlow implant related images.

See for yourself just how easy, pain-free and affordable glaucoma surgery can be with the right glaucoma surgeon. Se habla espanol!

Se Habla Espanol!