Glaucoma Management

Glaucoma is sometimes controlled with eye drops, given 1 to 3 times a day. These medications reduce the pressure in the eye by either assisting the flow of fluid out of the eye or by decreasing the flow into the eye. Taking the medications will likely be a lifetime routine. In other cases, a laser procedure is able to lower the pressure, sometimes delaying or preventing the need for medications.

Glaucoma Lasers

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): By using the newest laser technology in St. Louis, Dr. Fedyk may be able to reduce your eye pressure. Laser surgery for chronic glaucoma is typically painless and usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The laser applications are applied through a special microscope similar to the ones used for eye exams. A lens is placed over the eye to direct the light to the filtering meshwork. SLT is able to lower the pressure in the eye about 85% of the time. The results of the SLT tend to decrease over time, but this procedure can be repeated, often with excellent results. Most patients are eventually able to discontinue some of their medications.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): For patients with narrow-angle, or acute glaucoma. A small hole is made in the iris so that the fluid inside the eye can properly circulate and encourage fluid drainage to lower the eye pressure.