8Surgery
When medications and eye drops do not work, surgery can be the last option to treat glaucoma. The main goal is to improve the eye’s fluid flow, thus lowering pressure. Common options include:
– Laser surgery: This procedure makes use of a high-energy laser beam to unblock drainage canals and allow the fluid flow in the eyes more easily.
– Drainage implants: This surgery is often recommended for children and those patients who suffer from secondary and advanced glaucoma.
– Laser iridotomy: People with extremely narrow drainage angles can benefit from laser iridotomy. During this procedure, the doctor will make a small hole on the side or top of the iris to improve the fluid flow.
– Filtering surgery: This process involves creating an opening in the white part or sclera of the eye. After that, a small part of the tissue in the cornea is removed so that fluid can flow out of the eye.[8]
