This procedure uses freezing or a laser to reduce the amount of fluid an eye can produce. It destroys part of the eye that makes fluid. This treatment is also called a cyclodestructive procedure.
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the nerve that carries visual messages to the brain (optic nerve) is damaged. This is usually caused by high pressure inside the eye. Damage to the optic nerve can cause a permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma needs to be diagnosed and treated early to prevent blindness.
Normally, the fluid in the front of the eye (the aqueous humor) is constantly flowing from where it is formed (the ciliary body) to the front of the eye. This fluid nourishes your eye and helps to keep its shape. The area between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the cornea (the clear outer layer on the front of the eye) is called the angle. Fluid drains out through the angle, into drainage channels, and is then reabsorbed by the body. When fluid flows out too slowly, eye pressure builds up.
In open-angle glaucoma, fluid drains slowly, causing the pressure in the eye to increase. This happens even though the drainage channel for the fluid is open. One type of open-angle glaucoma is caused by injury to the eye. In some cases of open angle glaucoma, it is not known what causes the fluid to drain out too slowly.
In angle-closure glaucoma, the angle between the iris and the cornea is blocked or narrowed. When this happens, fluid is not able to drain from the eye. This can cause a pressure buildup. This can happen if the pupil is dilated too much, causing the iris to "bunch up," or if the lens†crowds†the iris and causes it to bend forward and close the angle. When this type of glaucoma happens suddenly, it is called acute angle-closure glaucoma and is a medical emergency.
This procedure reduces the fluid the eye produces, and thus lowers eye pressure. In some cases, it also relieves eye pain. Controlling the pressure may reduce the risk of permanent blindness and help you keep your vision.
This procedure is most often done when other treatments have not worked, or would not be safe. In rare cases, laser or freezing is the first treatment for people who have severe glaucoma.
Instead of this procedure, other treatments or procedures may include:
You may choose not to have treatment. Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.
You will be given either local or general anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and you will be asleep. If you are having local anesthesia, you will be given medicine to help you relax, but you may be awake during the procedure. Then the provider will numb your eye by injecting an anesthetic through your lower eyelid into the space behind your eye.
Your provider will use freezing or a laser on the outside surface of the eye to destroy part of the eye that makes the fluid. The procedure will take 5 to 15 minutes once your eye is numb. If you are awake during the procedure, and a laser is used, you may hear a popping sound when the laser is on.
In some cases, laser treatment is done surgically from the inside of the eye. This is more common if you are having other surgery on that eye at the same time.
After the procedure the provider will put in eyedrops or ointment and place a patch on your eye. You will be given a prescription for eyedrops and pain medicine. You will also need to schedule a follow-up appointment. Your vision may be blurry and you may have some pain while your eyes heal.
Ask your healthcare provider:
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.
Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and any risks. Some possible risks include:
Every procedure or treatment has risks. Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.
