Taking a More Active Approach to Glaucoma Care
Glaucoma care is no longer limited to managing eye pressure with daily medication. At our locations in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and La Quinta, patients can receive personalized care that may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment, or minimally invasive glaucoma procedures. These options allow ophthalmologists to take a more active approach based on each patient’s condition and treatment goals.
Glaucoma Can Progress Without Warning
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. Increased pressure inside the eye is a significant risk factor, although glaucoma can sometimes develop even when eye pressure falls within a typical range.
Most patients do not notice symptoms during the early stages. As a result, regular eye exams are essential for detecting glaucoma before permanent vision loss occurs. Once glaucoma is diagnosed, ongoing testing helps determine whether treatment is controlling the disease effectively.
Daily Eye Drops Are Not the Only Option
Prescription eye drops can lower eye pressure and remain an important part of glaucoma care. However, drops only work when they are used correctly and consistently. Remembering each dose, administering the medication, managing side effects, and keeping track of multiple prescriptions can become challenging.
Modern interventional treatments may provide another way to control eye pressure. Depending on the patient, these treatments may be considered earlier or used alongside medication. An ophthalmologist can determine whether laser treatment or a minimally invasive procedure is appropriate.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, commonly called SLT, is an office based procedure that uses gentle laser energy to improve fluid drainage from the eye. Better drainage can lower eye pressure and help protect the optic nerve.
Possible benefits of SLT include:
- No surgical incisions or stitches
- Minimal recovery time
- Reduced reliance on daily medication for some patients
- The ability to repeat treatment in certain cases
SLT may be used as an initial treatment for some patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It may also be recommended when medication is difficult to use or does not lower eye pressure sufficiently.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS, includes several procedures designed to improve pressure control while limiting disruption to the eye. Depending on the procedure, MIGS may improve fluid drainage or reduce the amount of fluid the eye produces.
Potential advantages include:
- Small incisions
- Less disruption than traditional glaucoma surgery
- A relatively brief recovery
- Reduced dependence on eye drops for some patients
MIGS is frequently considered for eligible patients who are also having cataract surgery. Combining the procedures may allow the ophthalmologist to address cataracts and glaucoma during the same surgical experience. However, candidacy depends on the type of glaucoma, its severity, previous treatments, and the amount of pressure reduction required.
Choosing Treatment Based on Your Eyes
Effective glaucoma care begins with a complete evaluation. Your ophthalmologist will review your eye pressure, optic nerve health, peripheral vision, and treatment history before recommending the next step.
The treatment plan may include medication, SLT, MIGS, traditional glaucoma surgery, or a combination of approaches. Acting before noticeable vision changes occur can help slow glaucoma and preserve your sight. Call us today to book your exam.
