Laser treatment for Glaucoma has proved to be the most effective option to prevent complete vision impairment. Essential fluids are produced in the eye by a part called the Ciliary body. These fluids if blocked due to any reason build pressure in the eye & impair the vision. This phenomenon is called Glaucoma. This disease can cause permanent blindness and can only be prevented if detected at an early stage.
Thanks to the advent of the laser technology for medical treatment, possible preventive measures have been invented for Glaucoma.
Types Of Glaucoma
Depending upon the nature of the blockage in the flow of eye fluids, Glaucoma can be classified as-
A. Open Angle Glaucoma – Here there is an unseen obstacle in the drainage system of the eye called the Trabecular Meshwork.
B. Narrow Angle Glaucoma – Here the drainage area becomes smaller due to the Iris getting close to Trabecular Meshwork.
Different Types of Laser Treatments
The laser treatment for Glaucoma too has variations, depending upon the nature of the disease.
Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty is the conventional method used for Open Angle Glaucoma. In this method, the laser is used to make tiny burns at regular intervals in the Trabecular Meshwork to increase drainage and thereby reducing the fluid pressure. Only half of the drainage area is treated to avoid possible swelling or pressure in the eye. After observing the results for the first six weeks, the ophthalmologist decides whether to treat the remaining half or not. Effects of this particular treatment may not be permanent, lasting up-to 10 years and are successful only in 80% of the cases.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is the most preferred method. It focuses on increasing the fluid drainage by charging up some specific pigmented cells. This treatment is popular since it does not destroy any part of the eye and has proven most effective with the least side effects.
In Narrow Angle Glaucoma, the Iris is microscopically punctured to allow fluids to drain out, which also shifts back its position. This treatment can be performed during or before Narrow Angle Glaucoma shows its symptoms. If treated before the attack, the effect is 98% successful but has only 85% success rate during or after the attack.
Cyclophotoablation is also used sometimes. This procedure involves decimating a part of the Ciliary body to produce fewer fluids. Since it destroys a part of the eye, it is recommended only as a last resort that too in extreme cases.
In case of blurring or loss of vision, it is advisable to get a check up done, as this could possibly be an early stage of Glaucoma. Though effective, laser treatment for Glaucoma should always be treated as a final recourse.