Laser Eye Surgery for Glaucoma and Post Cataract Surgery


When you can’t see the world clearly, it’s hard to function in it with ease.  Laser surgery may often have more advantages than nonlaser surgery- more ease, less costs, no or minimal discomfort, faster return to work, and improved or stabilized vision.   Lasers work best in the early stages of a condition, so early diagnosis and treatment is recommended.

Glaucoma- Laser surgery can prevent severe vision loss due to glaucoma, especially for people over 40.  Open Angle glaucoma is chronic; vision may look normal or progress to total blindness.  Fluid can’t drain out of the eye and abnormally high pressure results.  The high pressure gradually destroys optic nerve fibers and sight.  When medication can’t control intraocular pressure, laser surgery may be recommended.  Closed Angle glaucoma is acute; blocked fluid may cause rapid pressure increase, which may result in severe pain and permanent vision loss.  The laser enlarges the drainage openings in the eye which allows fluid to drain, may reduce pressure, relieve pain, and stabilize vision. A second treatment may be needed.

After Cataract Surgery- after cataract surgery some patients may experience vision loss within months or several years due to clouding of the posterior capsule (behind the intraocular lens).  Vision is reduced and fuzzy.  The laser opens the capsule by making a tiny opening, lets in light, and may restore full vision promptly and dramatically. 

Laser surgery has been one of the great advances in treating eye disease.  The success of laser surgery depends on the type of eye disorder.  In most situations, laser surgery helps prevent further loss of vision and may provide great improvement in vision. 

To find out if laser eye surgery is right for you, give our office a call:  803-794-0000.  Our Doctors will discuss the risks and benefits that laser treatment can offer you.

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