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When medication does not achieve the desired results, if the patient doesn't or
can't take the medication surgery may be recommended.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery has become
increasingly popular. This procedure takes about ten to twenty minutes. It
is painless, and can be performed in the office or in an outpatient facility.
Contrary to what most people think, the laser does not burn a hole in the eye.
Instead, it causes the tissue to shrink and thus open the adjacent area
increasing drainage.
You may go home and resume normal activities laser. It may take a few
weeks to obtain the full pressure-lowering effect of this procedure. Most
likely during this time you will have to continue taking your medication. Many
patients will able to discontinue some or all of their medications after
surgery. This, however, is not true in all cases.
Traditional Surgery
The most common operations
is called a trabeculectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon removes tissue so
that the aqueous humor drains more easily. This procedure is usually done under
local anesthesia.
Although trabeculectomy is a relatively safe surgical procedure. Approximately
40% of patients develop cataracts within five years of surgery. After surgery,
most patients are able to discontinue their glaucoma medications. A small
percentage require additional surgery.
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