3 Questions To Ask Your Surgeon Before Glaucoma Treatment

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on February 1, 2018

Approximately 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness in the U.S. are the result of glaucoma, a condition where pressure increases within the eye and causes nerve damage. Once glaucoma has caused damage to the eye, the effects can’t be reversed.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify the disease until a patient is already in the late stages of glaucoma. This is because glaucoma doesn’t often show symptoms.

Surgery is often best to help prevent further damage to the eye. However, it’s best to know the facts so you know what to expect from your procedure. Consider the following questions to ask your eye surgeon prior to your glaucoma treatment to help you understand what will happen during and after your eye surgery.

1. 1. Do I need surgery to treat my glaucoma?
      You may be able to treat your glaucoma with non-surgical methods depending on how early you were able to catch the disease. Certain non-surgical treatments include medicated eye drops and oral medication. However, it’s essential to speak to your eye doctor before assuming non-surgical methods are an option.

1. 1. What type of surgery do I qualify for?
      There are different types of glaucoma and, likewise, there are different types of glaucoma surgeries. Your eye surgeon or doctor will recommend which type of surgery is best for you to treat the type and stage of glaucoma you have. Open-angle glaucoma surgery is one of the most common procedures and involves opening the drainage angle of your eye using a laser to allow fluid to drain properly. Laser peripheral iridotomy is another common procedure that also promotes eye drainage by making a tiny hole in the iris.

1. What are the risks of glaucoma surgery?
   Like all surgical operations, glaucoma surgery comes with a small risk. Potential complications can include blurred vision and infection. However, glaucoma surgeries are not very invasive and so the risk of complications is minimal. Be sure to talk to your eye doctor about your concerns.

Whether you exhibit the early signs of glaucoma or the late stages of glaucoma, it’s absolutely essential to see an eye doctor as soon as possible to limit the possible damage to your sight. For more information on glaucoma treatment and vision correction, contact Missouri Eye Institute today for a consultation.