Glaucoma Laser Treatments
Glaucoma Laser Treatments
According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second biggest leading cause of blindness in the world. However, because the symptoms of glaucoma are often quite subtle, the disease often goes unnoticed. Out of the estimated 4 million Americans who suffer from glaucoma, half of them do not know they have it. It's an unnerving statistic, especially when you consider that, currently, there is no definitive cure for glaucoma. Fortunately there are some treatments that can help keep glaucoma under control and alleviate some of its symptoms. A Definition Glaucoma is an eye disease involving damage to the optic nerve, usually (though not always) caused by increased fluid pressure in the eye. Glaucoma leads to the loss of retinal ganglion cells, a loss which occurs in characteristic patterns that help distinguish the various sub-types of glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause nerve damage and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve, loss of the visual field, and eventually blindness. Laser Treatment Various types of laser procedures may be used to treat patients affected with glaucoma, depending on the type of symptoms and damages caused by the disease. Peripheral iridotomy (LPI), for example, is one of the more common laser eye procedures used to treat glaucoma patients that are affected by angle closure glaucoma. During laser iriodotomy, what is known as a YAG laser is used to make an opening in the iris to relieve pressure and decrease irregular bulging of the iris. A laser photocoagulation treatment may also be employed. Photocoagulation involves the cauterization of ocular blood vessels using laser energy. Another common procedure used in the treatment of glaucoma is known as laser trabeculoplasty, and it involves aiming an argon laser at the eye's trabecular meshwork with the intention of simulating the opening of the mesh in order to allow for the release of more aqueous fluid from the eye. Newer trabeculoplasy procedures employ the more selective YAG laser or a combo laser. Additional Facts You could be at risk of glaucoma regardless of age or family history. Statistically, young African Americans are more susceptible to glaucoma. There are sometimes no symptoms for glaucoma, and in fact open angle glaucoma, which is the most common form of the disease, has virtually no noticeable symptoms. Despite the fairly comprehensive number of laser treatments available for glaucoma patients, there is currently no permanent cure, and damages caused by glaucoma are permanent, which is why regular eye check-ups and early diagnosis are so important.
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