What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. This damage is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness.

Different Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of conditions with several different types.

example of sight with glaucoma

Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma

Chronic open-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage system (trabecular meshwork) does not function properly, leading to a gradual buildup of fluid (aqueous humor) and increased eye pressure.

This is the most common form of glaucoma. Vision loss typically develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms until later stages.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but more urgent. It occurs when the drainage angle becomes physically blocked, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure.

Symptoms may include severe eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, and sudden loss of vision. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Preventive treatment may include a laser procedure called Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, which helps improve fluid flow within the eye. Early detection through routine eye exams is critical.

Glaucoma Prevention and Treatment

During routine eye exams, your doctor evaluates intraocular pressure and examines the optic nerve for early signs of damage. While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, early detection allows for effective management and helps preserve vision.

Treatment options range from medications to advanced laser and surgical procedures, depending on the severity and progression of the diseas

iDose® TR (Sustained-Release Glaucoma Treatment)

The iDose TR is an FDA-approved implant that delivers continuous medication inside the eye to lower intraocular pressure.

Unlike traditional eye drops, iDose TR provides long-term, consistent drug delivery without requiring daily use. The implant is placed during a brief, minimally invasive procedure and works by slowly releasing medication over time.

Benefits may include:

  • Long-lasting IOP control
  • Reduced or eliminated need for daily drops
  • Improved treatment consistency
  • Minimally invasive placement

iDose TR may be a strong option for patients with open-angle glaucoma who struggle with medication adherence or prefer a reduced-drop treatment approach.

senior woman having discomfort from glaucoma
happy couple treated for glaucoma at DLV

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT is a safe, effective, and non-invasive laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma. This quick, in-office procedure takes about 10 minutes and can lower eye pressure by up to 30%.

SLT may be used as:

  • A primary treatment instead of drops
  • A way to reduce dependence on medications
  • An adjunct to existing therapies

 

Good candidates include:

  • Patients who prefer to avoid daily eye drops
  • Those with medication intolerance or side effects
  • Individuals with difficulty administering drops
  • Patients with insufficient pressure control from drops alone

Trabeculectomy

Trabeculectomy is a traditional glaucoma surgery that creates a new drainage pathway to lower eye pressure. Fluid is redirected through a small opening in the sclera (white part of the eye).

Due to its higher risk profile, this procedure is typically reserved for advanced glaucoma cases that do not respond to less invasive treatments.

senior woman having discomfort from glaucoma

Glaucoma Tube Shunt Surgery

Tube shunt procedures involve placing a small device in the eye to help drain fluid and lower pressure. These procedures are generally safer than trabeculectomy but may not reduce pressure to the same degree.

Your glaucoma specialist will determine the most appropriate option based on your condition.

eye surgery at dlv

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

MIGS procedures represent the latest advancements in glaucoma care. These techniques improve the eye’s natural drainage system using microscopic devices and minimally invasive approaches.

Common MIGS procedures include:

  • Goniotomy (iAccess, Kahook Dual Blade, Trabex, Streamline)
  • Canaloplasty (OMNI device)
  • Trabecular stents (iStent, Hydrus)

Benefits of MIGS:

  • Less invasive than traditional surgery
  • Faster recovery times
  • Strong safety profile
  • Often performed with cataract surgery

Most patients with mild to moderate glaucoma are candidates when drops or laser treatments are insufficient.

Xen Gel Implant

The Xen Gel Implant creates a new drainage pathway for fluid to exit the eye, lowering intraocular pressure. It is placed through a small incision and can be performed alone or alongside cataract surgery.

OMNI Procedure

The OMNI system treats multiple points of resistance within the eye’s drainage system and can be combined with cataract surgery.

Procedure overview:

  • Micro-incision access to the drainage system
  • Delivery of viscoelastic fluid to open the canal
  • Trabeculotomy to improve fluid outflow

This comprehensive approach helps enhance natural drainage and reduce eye pressure.

iStent Inject® W

The iStent inject W is one of the smallest implantable medical devices and is used during cataract surgery to improve fluid drainage and lower intraocular pressure.

The stents are not visible or felt after placement and provide ongoing pressure control for glaucoma patients.

Which Glaucoma Procedure is Right for You?

Only a glaucoma specialist can determine the most appropriate treatment based on your individual condition.

At DLV Vision, we offer a comprehensive range of advanced glaucoma treatments, from medications and laser therapy to minimally invasive and surgical solutions, allowing us to tailor care to each patient’s needs.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options for glaucoma treatment.

happy couple who went to DLV for glaucoma treatment