Surgical Treatment of Glaucoma in Portland Oregon

Surgical treatment of glaucoma in Portland, Oregon is performed to alleviate pressure within the eye. The eye surgeon will make small incisions in the sclera and use filters to create a controlled flow of aqueous humor. Other treatments include filtering surgeries without the use of lasers and drainage tubes. Both surgeries are effective in treating glaucoma, but there are differences.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

If you are in need of glaucoma surgery in Portland, you should consider a Portland ophthalmologist with expertise in this procedure. Dr. Lois Filipelli is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with a particular interest in glaucoma treatment. His areas of specialty include laser and medical management of the disease. Dr. Lois Filipelli is a board-certified in ophthalmology and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has worked in developing countries and has a special interest in providing ophthalmic care to these populations. Dr. Lois Filipelli enjoys playing basketball, hiking, cooking, and traveling.

MiGS is a relatively new technique, but it has been evolving steadily for the last twenty years. It will soon make a difference in the lives of thousands of patients in our region. The benefits of MIGS include fewer complications than traditional glaucoma surgeries, including trabeculectomy and insertion of drainage tubes. A Portland ophthalmologist can determine whether you are a good candidate for MIGS based on your particular situation.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Surgical treatment for acute angle-closure glaucoma is a common surgical procedure used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with the disease. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, patients may experience symptoms such as red-eye, blurred vision, haloes, and abdominal pain. Patients may also experience conjunctival injection around the cornea. Typically, this type of glaucoma has elevated intraocular pressure, between 50 and 80 mmHg.

The primary cause of blindness in Asia is angle-closure glaucoma. The advancement of this disease requires surgical intervention to control intraocular pressure. Current surgical modalities include trabeculectomy, lens extraction, goniosynechialysis, and laser peripheral iridoplasty. Other surgical methods include glaucoma implants and cyclo destruction. Which surgical treatment is best for a patient will depend on the stage of the disease and the experience of the surgeon.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Surgical treatment of normal-tension glaucoma is essential for the successful management of this condition. If the disease is left untreated, it may result in irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Early detection of NTG through yearly eye exams is essential. If vision changes, such as tunnel vision, occur, it's important to seek medical attention. Early detection allows early surgical treatment, reducing vision loss and improving quality of life.

Although the current treatment of glaucoma is still focused on lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP), a significant subpopulation of patients can progress without the need for surgery. However, the development of a new class of disease, normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), is a promising prospect. The complexities of this subgroup may be a reason why it remains underdiagnosed, despite the fact that it presents the same symptoms as POAG.

Laser Treatment for Glaucoma

A Portland ophthalmologist specializing in laser treatments for glaucoma can provide the best treatment for your eyes. Various types of laser treatments are available to alleviate the pressure inside your eyes. Laser surgery uses focused beams of light to burn a hole in the eye's tissue. In some cases, the laser can be repeated several times over the course of several years, depending on the type of glaucoma you have.

Although most people experience a very minimal amount of discomfort, laser treatment is not suitable for everyone. In some cases, the treatment may leave the outer lens capsule - a thick layer that can cloud vision - intact. Laser surgery, called capsulotomy, helps to open this layer so that the eye can function properly. However, the procedure can cause cataracts and should be used by eye doctors only after careful consideration.

Other Treatment Options

Other treatment options for glaucoma include surgery and other medical treatments. Eye drops and oral medications can only bring the pressure in your eyes down so far. Oral medications also come with side effects, such as frequent urination, tingling in the fingers, depression, and even kidney stones. Laser surgery may be an option for patients with open-angle glaucoma, as it can open the clogged channels in the trabecular meshwork.

Laser treatment can reduce eye pressure by opening up the clogged canals. This treatment has been shown to help 75% of patients with the most common type of glaucoma. Patients are usually given laser trabeculoplasty, a minimally invasive laser surgery, which beams a low-level laser into the eye. It can be repeated as needed. Laser therapy can reduce eye pressure for several years, but can't restore lost vision.