Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure used to treat glaucoma. It is one of several different types of procedures that involves using lasers. When you opt for a selective laser trabeculoplasty, the network that is located near the base of the iris is reconfigured so that fluid outflow is increased. Glaucoma is usually the result of excessive fluid that builds up around the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma will lead to blindness.
Because laser therapy is normally used for delicate operations, the areas surrounding the iris are prime targets for this type of surgery. The other commonly used laser surgery to repair glaucoma is the trabeculectomy, which relieves pressure from the area. Only your eye doctor will be able to tell you which type of glaucoma surgery is right for you.
There are many causes of glaucoma. While we may associate this disease with the elderly, it is important to note that anyone at any age can get glaucoma. In many cases, it is the result of an underlying condition. It can also be caused by in injury to the eye or an enlarged cataract.
The laser that is used during the selective laser trabeculoplasty is a YAG laser that can target individual cells. Selective laser trabeculoplasty is the newest version of the procedure and replaces argon laser trabeculoplasty in that it is more effective. The argon laser therapy used an argon laser. The YAG laser used by the selective laser trabeculoplasty process is considered to be more effective and cause less heat damage to the area.
There are different filtering procedures that are used when you are working on the area around the iris. The trabeculoplasty is one of many different procedures that is used to try to relieve pressure around this area. Once the pressure gets too great and damages the optic nerve, the damage can be beyond repair. This is why it is important to treat the disease as soon as it is diagnosed to get the best results.
The type of procedure that you undergo for your glaucoma surgery depends on the type of glaucoma that you have and the reason for the disease. An eye specialist will perform this type of operation and will evaluate your condition based upon examinations. After you have undergone the procedure, you will have to be monitored by the doctor to make sure that you do not get an infection or that there is no leakage into the iris.
Glaucoma used to sentence the person who suffered from this condition to blindness. Not anymore. Fortunately, medical science has enabled those who are diagnosed with this condition to get a second chance and keep their sight. The selective laser trabeculoplasty is one of many different surgeries that can be performed to help those who suffer from glaucoma be able to see.
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