Our patients with glaucoma require closer monitoring and more frequent examinations than the majority of our patients. Dr. Aman Shukairy is a board certified ophthalmologist and glaucoma and anterior segment specialist. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as well as an active member in the American Glaucoma Society. She is also a member of the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
Surgical Treatments for Glaucoma
Surgery involves either laser treatment or making a cut in the eye to reduce the intraocular pressure. The type of surgery will depend on the type and severity of your glaucoma and the general health of your eye.
Surgery can help lower pressure when medication is not sufficient. However, it cannot reverse vision loss.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery is often recommended before incisional surgery, unless the eye pressure is very high or the optic nerve is badly damaged.
Incisional Surgery
In contrast, incisional surgery (also called filtering surgery) involves creating a drainage hole with the use of a small surgical tool. This new opening allows the intraocular fluid to bypass the clogged drainage canals and flow out of this new, artificial drainage canal.
Trabeculectomy and Glaucoma Drainage Implant (“Tube Shunt”) Surgery
Usually performed for advanced cases of glaucoma or if glaucoma is uncontrolled despite medical or laser treatments.
Insertion of the iStent® Device
A small implantable stent can be placed into the natural drainage channel of the eye during cataract surgery in order to help reduce eye pressure.
Traditional surgical treatments include:
- • Trabeculectomy
• ExPress Mini-shunt
• Glaucoma drainage implants
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical treatments include:
- • Istent implant
• Cypass implant
• Kahook Blade
• Goniotomy
• Xen Implant