Glaucoma Surgery near Kansas City, KS
What Is Glaucoma Surgery?
If left untreated, glaucoma can cause optic nerve damage, vision loss, and total blindness. Early detection is critical when it comes to treating glaucoma. However, surgery may be necessary if detected in later stages or for complex cases. Glaucoma surgery is often performed to decrease the progression of the condition by creating a way for the fluid in the eye to drain better. For more information about glaucoma surgery, contact Heart of America Eye Care at one of our locations in Belton, MO or Shawnee Mission, or Overland Park, KS.
What Are the Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery?
Glaucoma surgery is a crucial step for many patients who need more advanced treatment to preserve their eyesight. While it cannot restore lost vision, it does offer several important benefits. Here’s what glaucoma surgery can do for you:
- Reduce intraocular pressure
- Minimize the need for long-term glaucoma medications
- Decrease the risk of further optic nerve damage
- Offer different surgical options tailored to your unique condition
How Is Glaucoma Surgery Performed?
At Heart of America Eye Care, we offer conventional and laser surgical options for glaucoma. Our eye surgeons perform these procedures in a state-of-the-art surgical center in Prairie Village, KS, where they have access to the latest tools and technologies. We are proud to provide the following surgical options:
- Trabeculoplasty: Treats open-angle glaucoma. A laser is used to open clogged channels in the drainage meshwork (the trabecular meshwork) to improve fluid drainage.
- Iridotomy or Iridectomy: Treats open- or narrow-angle glaucoma. A laser creates a hole in the iris so fluid can flow more easily.
- Cycloablation: Treats open-angle glaucoma. A laser is used to treat the part of the eye that connects the iris and choroid to reduce fluid production.
- Trabeculectomy: Treats open- and closed-glaucoma. An incision is made in the white of the eye, and part of the trabecular meshwork is removed to help fluid drain.
- Drainage implant: Two or three iStents® are placed in the eye to allow intraocular fluid to more easily reach the drainage system. This lowers the intraocular pressure and may reduce the need for glaucoma medications.
- Glaucoma Drainage Device: These devices consist of a tube connected to a plate. The tube is inserted into the eye to route fluid out of the eye and onto the plate, which serves as a reservoir. In this manner, the glaucomatous eye’s faulty natural drainage system can be bypassed and the eye’s pressure is reduced.
Glaucoma Surgery FAQ
Can glaucoma surgery fully restore lost vision?
Unfortunately, glaucoma surgery cannot restore any vision that has already been lost. The goal of glaucoma surgery is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. While the surgery can preserve the remaining vision and slow the progression of glaucoma, early detection is key to minimizing vision loss.
How long does glaucoma surgery take, and is it performed on an outpatient basis?
Most glaucoma surgeries are relatively quick, often taking less than an hour. They are typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can return home the same day after the procedure. However, follow-up appointments are essential to monitor recovery and ensure the surgery is effective.
Are there risks associated with glaucoma surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with glaucoma surgery, including infection, bleeding, or changes in vision. However, the experienced surgeons at Heart of America Eye Care take every precaution to minimize these risks. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon and closely follow post-operative care instructions to ensure the best outcomes.
Surgical Options For Glaucoma Management
It can be scary to be diagnosed with glaucoma. You may fear that you’ll lose your eyesight or have difficulty doing everyday tasks. However, glaucoma can be treated with conventional and surgical options that can drastically help slow the progression of the condition. The skilled eye specialists at Heart of America Eye Care are here to help and offer a number of treatment options for glaucoma. For more information about your treatment options, contact any one of our locations in Shawnee Mission or Overland Park, KS, or Belton, MO.
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* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.