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Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and even blindness. While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are a number of treatment options available to help preserve vision and prevent additional vision loss.
The eye doctors at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute are experts at diagnosing and treating glaucoma for patients in the Tampa Bay area, Pinellas County, and Largo, FL. Here, they discuss glaucoma treatment options for preserving your sight.
Medication
One of the most common treatment options for glaucoma is medication; some medications are taken orally, and others are administered in eye drop form. Eye drops are an effective way to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), which is fluid pressure inside the eye. Elevated eye pressure can increase your risk for glaucoma. Certain kinds of eye drops help with fluid drainage, and others reduce fluid production. Some patients may require more than one type of medicated eye drops.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatments are popular treatment options for glaucoma. Laser surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Different types of laser treatment are available for different types of glaucoma. The types of treatment that may be available to you will depend on a number of factors that your doctor will discuss with you. Some of the available laser treatment options are discussed below.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a fairly new glaucoma treatment that utilizes low-energy light pulses to target the tissue that helps drain fluid out of the eye. Better fluid drainage lowers intraocular pressure.
Laser Iridotomy
During laser iridotomy, a hole is created in the iris to restore proper drainage. It can help to lower intraocular pressure and slow or stop the progression of the disease.
Traditional Surgery
Surgery is another glaucoma treatment option. Traditional surgical techniques focus on lowering intraocular pressure. There are a number of different approaches that may be used to accomplish this goal. Some techniques include reshaping tissue to clear blockages or opening new drainage channels for fluid to exit the eye.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
There are a number of different treatment options available for your glaucoma. The only way to know which can best help to preserve your vision is by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with an experienced ophthalmologist.
If you live in the Tampa Bay area, Pinellas County, or Largo, FL, our ophthalmologists are ready to help you. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute by calling (727) 585-2200.
