Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve. It is usually caused by increased intraocular pressure within the eyeball. However people can also have glaucoma with normal eye pressure. If left untreated, it may cause loss of vision which is irreversible.
How is glaucoma treated?
Most people with glaucoma are able to manage their condition with the use of eye drops or laser. Surgery may be required in some cases if drops or laser have not lowered the pressure enough or your glaucoma continues to progress.
The aim of treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Other treatments for glaucoma include:
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser procedure that reduces the intraocular pressure associated with open-angle glaucoma. It is a painless procedure and is performed in the practice. It usually takes about 5 minutes. Prior to treatment, eye drops are administered to prepare the eye. A contact lens is used during the laser. The laser beam selectively treats small areas of the trabecular meshwork, the natural internal drainage system of the eye. The improved drainage reduces pressure inside the eye. SLT can be performed if you are intolerant of glaucoma medications, or have difficulty taking them. It will take several weeks to determine how much your eye pressure will be lowered by treatment. SLT can be repeated at a later stage if required.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries “MIGS” have been developed in recent years. These procedures place small stents or devices inside the eye to lower the pressure inside the eye. They can be performed at the time of cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure. MIGS avoid the risks often associated with conventional glaucoma surgery.
Trabeculectomy
A trabeculectomy operation is recommended for patients whose glaucoma continues to progress despite using eye drops and/or having had laser treatment. The goal of trabeculectomy surgery is to help lower and control intraocular pressure.
Trabeculectomy surgery creates an alternative drainage channel, to help aqueous fluid drain from the eye. Intraocular pressure is reduced because fluid can now drain more easily through the newly created drainage channel.
The success of the surgery depends on the rate and extent of the conjunctival healing process. Intraocular pressure can vary in the first few weeks after the surgery. During the first few weeks there are frequent visits to monitor the pressure closely. Changes to your eye drops, adjustments to or removal or sutures and possibly anti-scarring injections may occur in the few weeks following surgery.
Contact the clinic on 94115000 for a consultation.
Please contact us to arrange an appointment
The Chatswood Eye Specialists Clinic has been servicing the community of Chatswood for over 30 years. Our modern clinic in the Chatswood Private Hospital building on Albert Avenue features the latest ophthalmic equipment and technology. Our Eye Specialists are leaders in their field and our highly trained Orthoptists are on hand to take you through any tests that may be required during your visit. Please feel free to call one of the friendly reception staff if you would like to enquire about any of our services.