Glaucoma Surgery

When eye drops do not adequately lower eye pressure enough to control a patient’s glaucoma, laser surgery or other glaucoma surgery may be recommended. Patients with a special condition called narrow angles can have angle closure glaucoma attacks, which can be prevented or treated with laser surgery to the iris.

IStent® Glaucoma Treatment

A new glaucoma treatment – a device called iStent® – can help lower Intraocular pressure (IOP).   Typically implanted during cataract surgery, iStent® device can effectively lower IOP, one of the most important risk factors for glaucoma, and may reduce your reliance on glaucoma medication at the discretion of an eye care professional.  Several of our Doctors are now Certified for use of the new technology, iStent: Dr. John Davidson, Dr. William Trotter, Dr. Haghighi and Dr. Joseph Chen.  Read more about iStent®.

Istent is an implantable titanium stent that is FDA approved to be placed at the time of cataract surgery in selected glaucoma patients.  If you are a glaucoma patient considering cataract surgery, ask your doctor if the iStent might be appropriate for you.

Common Glaucoma Treatments And Surgeries At Miramar Eye

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

For patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. A small hole is made in the iris to increase the angle between the iris and cornea and encourage fluid drainage.

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) And Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SL

For patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The trabecular passages are opened to increase fluid drainage. ALT is effective in about 75% of patients, and SLT may be repeated.

Nd: YAG Laser Cyclophotocoagulation (YAG CP)

For patients with severe glaucoma damage who have not been helped with other surgeries. The ciliary body that produces intraocular fluid is destroyed.

Filtering Microsurgery (Trabeculectomy)

For patients who have not been helped with laser surgery or medications. A new drainage passage is created by cutting a small hole in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and creating a collection pouch between the sclera and conjunctiva (the outer covering of the eye).

Tube Shunt Surgery

May be recommended for patients with neovascular glaucoma, failed trabeculectomy, or susceptibility to developing scar tissue. A thin, flexible tube (a shunt) with a silicone pouch is inserted in the eye to facilitate drainage.