Glaucoma Treatment

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that hinders drainage in the eye. It occurs when too much fluid builds up in the front part of the eye, creating excessive intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma can cause blindness, especially as you age, but treatment can help slow down the process to prevent this serious complication.

What are the symptoms?

Glaucoma often has no symptoms at first, and that’s why regular eye screenings are important to your vision health. But the effects of glaucoma are permanent. The quicker you catch it, the better because you can prevent further deterioration of your vision. Some people need regular eye checks because they’re at greater risk of developing the condition. Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Being 40+ years old
• A family history of glaucoma
• African or Hispanic heritage
• Being farsighted or nearsighted
• History of an eye injury
• Corneas with thin centers
• Thinning of the optic nerve
• Diabetes, chronic migraines, or systemic health problems

What treatments does Citrus Valley Eyecare offer for glaucoma?

Along with the traditional treatment of prescription eye drops, Dr. Surti offers laser surgery and the implantation of iStents to prevent progression of the disease.

How does laser surgery treat glaucoma?

Dr. Surti uses selective laser trabeculoplasty, helps alter the eye tissue to make drainage more efficient which reduces the intraocular pressure. It’s an outpatient procedure that’s effective for about 2 years. There is no scar tissue caused by the laser and it can be repeated again in the future if necessary. The laser treatment has few complications, such as the allergic reactions that can occur with eye drops or medications.