There are many types of surgical treatment for glaucoma ,one of which includes the use of lasers. But the types of treatment which any eye doctor will recommend will depend on the type of glaucoma, and the degree of damage to the optical nerve.

Laser treatment itself is determined by the type of glaucoma which has been diagnosed, there is a laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma, and another for close-angle glaucoma.

Laser Treatments for Glaucoma.

Laser Iridotomy. This kind of treatment is generally used for close-angle glaucoma which is usually associated with the glaucoma occurring suddenly.

A hole is made by the laser, in the Iris of the eye, and the excess aqueous humor fluid is allowed to drain away, so relieving the pressure on the optic nerve.

Laser Trabeculoplasty. Is used only for the open-angle type of glaucoma, it is painless and often administered in two sessions maybe months apart.

Using a mirrored contact lens, the laser is applied to the filter angle between the cornea and iris of the eye. The angle is burned by the microscopic laser and allows excess aqueous humor fluid to drain away.

However, this method has a limited lifetime as the filter angle can become clogged again, so repeat trabeculoplasty surgery may be needed in about 2 years time.

Laser Cilioablation. This treatment is only used for the treatment of severe glaucoma, and involves laser burning of the cilia bodies which produce the aqueous humor eye fluid, so reducing high intraocular pressure. Cilioablation is only used when other forms of treatments have failed.

All treatments for glaucoma whether they involve lasers or surgery are designed to achieve the correct balance between the production of the eye fluid and its drainage, the production of excess fluid leads to higher intraocular pressure which causes damage to the optic nerve, which of course is glaucoma, and any damage to the optic nerve is usually irreversible.

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