Laser surgery is presently the most frequent type of surgery performed. There are several different types of laser surgeries available:

• Trabeculoplasty is often used to treat open-angle glaucoma. A high-energy laser opens areas in the trabecular meshwork (the mesh-like canals that help drain fluid from the eye. This allows fluid to bypass clogged drainage canals. SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) is a low energy laser procedure that potentially can be repeated without causing tissue damage. It can have an impact on specific cells in the trabecular meshwork without causing collateral tissue damage.



• Iridotomy, frequently used to treat closed-angle glaucoma, uses a laser to create a small hole in the iris to allow fluid to drain from the eye.



• Peripheral iridectomy, performed on closed-angle glaucoma patients, is a procedure in which a small section of peripheral iris is removed by the laser, which allows fluid to more easily drain from the eye.



• Cyclophotocoagulation is a procedure most often used to treat more aggressive or advanced forms of glaucoma. The laser is directed towards the ciliary body and this helps to decrease the production of eye fluid.



• Scatter panretinal photocoagulation is a laser procedure that destroys abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which may occur with neovascular glaucoma.

A thoughtful evaluation must be performed by a physician before taking any medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbs. The American Health Assistance Foundation does not endorse any of these medications, vitamins, or herbs. A qualified physician should make an informed decision based on each person's medical history and current prescriptions. The medication summaries provided do not include all of the information important for patient use and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.  The prescribing physician should be consulted concerning any questions that you have.

The information provided in this section of our website was obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Eye institute (NEI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Library of Medicine, and research scientists specializing in glaucoma.

Reviewed on 2/14/2008