Laser Treatment for Glaucoma in Central PA

Glaucoma is a series of eye diseases that can develop for a number of different reasons and can present itself in various ways. There are several different types of glaucoma that exist, including open-angle (the most common), closed-angle, traumatic, and secondary. It's important to have glaucoma diagnosed and managed as early as possible because when left untreated, it can lead to rapid vision deterioration or even total blindness.

The board-certified ophthalmologists at The Eye Center of Central PA offer a range of laser-assisted therapies to treat several different kinds of glaucoma. Utilizing the advanced MicroPulse P3® laser platform, our eye surgeons can perform several techniques to suit your unique condition and address your specific case of glaucoma. Get in touch with one of our offices throughout Central PA to schedule your glaucoma consultation and receive the one-on-one care you need.

When eye drops or other less invasive treatments have failed to lower your eye pressure and improve your glaucoma symptoms, laser-assisted therapies may be considered. The treatment you receive will depend on what type of glaucoma you have (open-angle, closed-angle, secondary, etc.) and the severity of your condition.

Certain laser techniques address various structures of the eye. To determine which laser procedure may best benefit you, one of our ophthalmologists will perform a comprehensive eye examination to fully assess the health of your eyes. It's important to have glaucoma treated as soon as possible to prevent blindness and keep your vision from deteriorating any further.

At The Eye Center of Central PA, our team utilizes the latest technology available in the vision industry to address varying types and degrees of glaucoma. We perform a number of advanced laser-assisted procedures to suit your unique condition and needs, including:

• Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI): A laser iridotomy is a surgical procedure performed to address closed-angle glaucoma or to help patients who may be at risk for closed-angle glaucoma. During this treatment, a tiny opening is created into the peripheral iris to allow aqueous fluid to drain effectively and increase the angle of the eye.
• Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP): Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, often shortened to ECP, uses the Cyclo G6® Glaucoma Laser System to reduce the tissue in the eye known as the ciliary body. ECP is a transscleral cyclophotocoagulation procedure that does not require incisions. ECP can be done for patients with open-angle glaucoma.
• MicroPulse laser therapy: This laser-assisted treatment is a type of photocoagulation technique that utilizes specialized technology to shrink the ciliary body. MicroPulse laser therapy is a non-transscleral treatment.
• Laser trabeculoplasty: There are two types of laser trabeculoplasty: ALT (argon laser trabeculoplasty) and SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty). Both procedures use focused light energy to target the drainage channel. The laser creates micro-injuries into the trabecular meshwork, allowing the eye to drain fluid more effectively. Candidates for laser trabeculoplasty are those who suffer from open-angle glaucoma.

After your laser glaucoma treatment, our team will observe you for a few minutes to make sure that your health is in good condition and ensure that no abnormalities develop. You may be given an eye patch to wear afterward, which should be used as instructed by our ophthalmologists. Before we release you to begin your recovery at home, someone will go over detailed aftercare tips with you to help expedite your healing. We will also schedule future follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress and ensure that the treatment was effective.

Lowering eye pressure is the most effective and widely known way to treat glaucoma. At The Eye Center of Central PA, our board-certified ophthalmologists offer several laser-assisted treatments to help patients treat or manage their glaucoma symptoms. If you've noticed changes in your vision or any sudden eye-related abnormalities, we encourage you to get in touch with one of our offices in Central PA. Since glaucoma is one of the primary causes of blindness for patients of all ages, it's imperative that you seek treatment as soon as possible.