Glaucoma is on of the leading causes of vision loss and it is estimated that over 4 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it. Glaucoma involves progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve and is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Unfortunately, glaucoma is known as the silent thief of sight because symptoms most often don’t occur until damage is done. Fortunately, glaucoma is highly treatable if detected early. The key to preventing serious vision loss or blindness from glaucoma is an annual dilated eye examination.
The goal of glaucoma surgery and other glaucoma treatments is to control intraocular pressure. When the goal is accomplished, damage to ocular structures, especially the optic nerve may be prevented. Glaucoma surgery procedures, whether laser or non-laser, are designed to accomplish one of two basic results: decrease the production of intraocular fluid (aqueous fluid) or increase the outflow (drainage) of the same fluid.