Is Glaucoma Laser Surgery Right for You?
Millions and millions of people all over the world are struggling to cope up with glaucoma problems, which, if left untreated, can result in blindness. In severe glaucoma cases, medications fail to work. In such cases, the eye specialist will recommend eye surgery as the best option. There are two major types of glaucoma laser surgery, each having their individual set of features.
Although, there is no sure cure for glaucoma , surgery can aid in stabilizing the vision and in preventing visual loss. However, prior to undertaking glaucoma surgery, it is essential for the patients, to be well aware and fully informed about its pros and cons. Discussing with the best eye doctor in Westchester for you will help you in making a confirmed decision about whether taking up glaucoma surgery is viable for you or not.
Laser glaucoma surgery ( Trabeculoplasty) ( to control eye pressure elevation) is increasingly becoming a preferred treatment for glaucoma alongside with or as an alternative to drug use. In Europe, oftentimes it is the first line of treatment for glaucoma, with long term medicine usage as a more secondary option. Laser surgery procedure is often recommended to treat early eye disease or as a pre- emptive treatment for those with advanced glaucoma. In these cases , if successful, it lowers eye pressure and can delay or prevent the need for a more invasive glaucoma surgery altogether.
The procedure is usually performed in the office setting. The duration of the laser is short , over several minutes with minimal to no pain Patients, undertaking laser glaucoma surgery, may almost immediately return back to their daily routine activities with practically no interruption to their lifestyle. This is in contrary to major glaucoma surgery, which is performed in a operating room and after which has restrictions of activity for a longer period of time( 2-4 weeks with strict restrictions and sometimes upwards to a couple of months for mild or moderate restrictions, baring no complications which can delay things further) . After the laser surgery is completed, regular checkups and visits to the eye surgeon can help the patients in monitoring their progress.
The safety profile for laser glaucoma surgery is very good. Laser glaucoma surgery has minimal risks -initial pressure spikes, eye discomfort , and temporary blurriness. These are rare and usually temporary and proper medications can usually aid in managing these transitory conditions. The largest risk is time loss, if the pressure lowering is insufficient, ineffective as it is difficult to predict full responsiveness of a particular individual to the therapy. In these cases patients will have to return back to long term medication usuage or advance to more aggressive treatment option.
But, it is only after seeking proper diagnosis and consultation from your eye specialist that, one can select the best option. The ophthalmologist, after conducting a thorough checkup and evaluating the condition, will suggest the correct treatment option suitable for your condition and needs.
Now, all one needs to do is, find the right ophthalmologist or glaucoma specialist , who is well trained and informed about the best glaucoma treatments. It is up to you to find a glaucoma specialist or the best eye doctor in westchester for your needs with a strong foundation in glaucoma to provide you the proper treatment you deserve.

Comments
Post a Comment