Treatment and prevention of glaucoma

How to treat glaucoma?

Damage on the optic nerve which is caused by glaucoma before the beginning of the treatment cannot be mended, but it is possible to maintain the current condition and significantly slow down the progression of the disease. Depending on the situation, treatment of glaucoma can involve anti-glaucoma eye drops, laser or surgery. It is also possible to combine these methods.

The treatment most frequently starts with anti-glaucoma drops which allow reduction of intraocular pressure. 

What are the laser methods used for the treatment of glaucoma?

The methods of laser treatment of glaucoma are the following:

1. YAG Peripheral Iridotomy  – applied in case of acute closed-angle glaucoma 
2. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (Ellex) - applied in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and aims at improving the drainage of aqueous humor through the corner of the eye. It is performed in the doctor's office, it is short and completely harmless to the patient. It is not painful and it is performed while applying local anesthesia in the form of eye drops. The patient can go home immediately after the procedure. 
3. PLT patterned laser trabeculoplasty (Pascal) - similar to SLT, however it is the latest, more pleasant and effective procedure with the cutting-edge laser Pascal. 

How is the laser treatment of glaucoma performed?

Laser treatment of glaucoma is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient clinic. The procedure is painless, lasts a few minutes and the patient goes home immediately.

How to behave after a laser therapy?

After a laser therapy, the patient can immediately return to their regular activities and conduct therapy in form of eye drops recommended by a physician.

What are the methods of surgical treatment of glaucoma?

Surgical treatment of glaucoma is performed via trabeculectomy (conventional filtration surgery) and installation of Express-mini glaucoma shunt (drainage implants). In the first method a new channel is formed for the drainage of aqueous humor and with the second method a special tube is implanted (drainage implant). 

How is surgery of glaucoma performed?

The surgery of glaucoma is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure lasts for twenty to thirty minutes and it is painless. After surgery the patient can go home the same day.