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Glaucoma Laser Surgery Risks

The glaucoma laser surgery risks are usually very minute. The biggest risk is that the surgery will not be successful and that you will lose your sight in that eye. However, if left unchecked, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness as it is, so you are not really risking anything by getting glaucoma laser surgery. For this reason, the glaucoma laser surgery risks are well worth taking.

Anytime you have surgery, there are risks involved. Glaucoma surgery risks are like any other type of surgery risks. There is a risk that you may have a problem with the anesthesia needed to perform the surgery or a reaction to the eye drops that are used to help with the surgery. The laser surgery itself has proven to be very successful in treating glaucoma, but is not fool proof, just like any other type of surgery. There are always risks entailed whenever you undergo any type of surgery.

Many people do not know that they have glaucoma until it has caused so much damage to the optic nerve that it is irreparable. There are many different types of glaucoma as well as causes. For the most part, it is caused by too much pressure around the optic nerve. This can be from an inherited condition, an enlarged cataract or even an illness. While most people who suffer from glaucoma are older people, it can affect all age groups. Even young children are prone to a certain form of glaucoma that affects the young.

Years ago, there was not much to be done for those who suffered from glaucoma. Once the optic nerve was damaged, there was no hope that the person would regain their sight and blindness ensued. However, in recent years, the development of laser treatments for what once were very delicate operations, have helped in treating those with glaucoma. These are not without risks. Glaucoma laser surgery risks usually involve the patient not being able to either improve their vision after the surgery or losing their vision entirely. However, since the eventual outcome of untreated glaucoma is the loss of vision, the risks are minute.

Still, glaucoma is treated conservatively when it is first discovered. Eye drops and medications are often the first option when it comes to treating this disease. When these fail, then more serious measures are considered. Your eye doctor may then refer you to a doctor who performs glaucoma laser surgery to help you save your sight.

Blindness is not the only outcome for those who are suffering from glaucoma, thanks to laser surgery. While it used to be the inevitable for those who came down with one of the many forms of this disease, this is no longer so. Sure, glaucoma laser surgery risks are present, but because laser surgery is often the last resort, the risks are often worth enduring in order to save the sight of the patient.

Glaucoma, often unsuspected, leads to blindness without treatment - New York Daily News

New York Daily News

Glaucoma, often unsuspected, leads to blindness without treatment New York Daily News Her patients have glaucoma. “Glaucoma is a disease that causes loss of vision and eventually blindness if not adequately treated,” says Serle. “This is a disease that we can manage with medication, laser treatments and surgery — but far too many ...

Eye exam defends against glaucoma - DesMoinesRegister.com

Eye exam defends against glaucoma DesMoinesRegister.com Ironically, these folks are lucky. A laser treatment is applied and the glaucoma is virtually cured. Glaucoma affects children, young adults and the elderly. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, everyone is at risk. Some of the early signs of ... and more »

HEALTH- January: Glaucoma Awareness Month - Barnstable Patriot

HEALTH- January: Glaucoma Awareness Month Barnstable Patriot Further testing includes computerized visual field and optic nerve imaging to track for any progression in glaucoma. Glaucoma is treated by lowering the eye pressure with glaucoma eye drops, laser surgery, and conventional surgery. and more »

Novartis delivers strong underlying financial performance in 2011, expects ... - MarketWatch (press release)

Novartis delivers strong underlying financial performance in 2011, expects ... MarketWatch (press release) Novartis is well positioned as we face the expected patent expirations and will continue discovering new treatments to improve the health of patients across the globe." Net sales rose 4% (+5% cc) to USD 14.8 billion in the fourth quarter. and more »

Learn The Facts About How To Detect And Manage Glaucoma - North American Press Syndicate

Learn The Facts About How To Detect And Manage Glaucoma North American Press Syndicate If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, work with your eye doctor to create a disease management plan that best fits your lifestyle and routine. Your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drops, laser treatment or other types of surgery as part of your ... and more »