Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma is the leading cause of world blindness after cataracts. Because it develops slowly, it may take a while to notice that it is getting more difficult to read or drive. Patients may just gradually stop doing the activities they enjoy without knowing why. It may even contribute to depression or anxiety. It is a chronic, progressive deterioration of the optic nerve. It is usually caused by or worsened by pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP) that is too high for the continued health of the nerve. The only proven treatment of glaucoma is lowering of IOP in order to prevent or to slow down the damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma treatment usually begins with medications or laser techniques, but when these have failed or are not tolerated; the ophthalmologist may suggest surgical procedures.