Managing glaucoma with effective treatment in Laguna Hills

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to blindness without proper treatment. Dr. George Salib and his team at the Orange County Eye Institute in Laguna Hills utilize the latest techniques for early detection and accurate diagnosis of glaucoma. Then, a customized treatment plan helps to prevent further vision loss.

Nonsurgical treatment

Glaucoma is damage to the optical nerve from increased pressure in the eye.

• Prostaglandin analogs to increase drainage of eye fluid.
• Beta blockers reduce production of fluid.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors also decrease production of intraocular fluid.
• Alpha agonists do both. They increase drainage and decrease fluid production.

Combination drops are a convenience for the patient who benefits from more than one of these formulations.

A number of oral medications can also help to control intraocular pressure. However, eye drops are generally preferred, since pills come with additional risk of systemic side effects.

Surgery for glaucoma

Surgical treatment may be necessary for the patient who has sensitivity to eye drops or pills, or whose condition doesn’t respond satisfactorily to those treatments.

Conventional surgery, called trabeculectomy, involves creation of a passage in the white part of the eye, to allow excess fluid to drain. A shunt or other type of drainage implant to guide fluid out of the eye, may also be considered.

Laser surgery is quickly becoming a go-to intermediate treatment between medications and conventional surgery. A painless trabeculoplasty procedure takes only about 15 minutes. Focused light energy alters the eye’s drainage system, allowing aqueous fluid to pass out of the eye more efficiently.

New treatments for glaucoma are continually evolving. As a patient of the Orange County Eye Institute in Laguna Hills, you can count on up to date information and an individualized care plan to preserve your vision. Call (949) 441-5444 .

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