Laser Glaucoma Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA

Glaucoma is often treated with prescription eye drops, but in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to lower eye pressure. There are a number of laser surgeries that can be performed to treat glaucoma, but the most common types are trabeculoplasty and iridotomy. At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, our skilled ophthalmologists are highly trained and experienced in performing laser procedures for the treatment of glaucoma. If medicated eye drops are no longer providing the relief you need, it may be time to consider surgery. Reach out to our office in Baton Rouge, LA to meet with one of our eye specialists today to see if laser glaucoma surgery is right for you.

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, nor can the damage caused by glaucoma be reversed, laser glaucoma surgery in Baton Rouge, LA offers patients the opportunity to prevent further vision loss in a convenient, effective, and modern way. Primary benefits of laser glaucoma surgery include:

• May provide a more effective alternative when other glaucoma treatments/therapies are ineffective
• Relatively convenient
• Minimal discomfort
• Can prevent further vision loss associated with glaucoma

The best way to find out with certainty whether laser glaucoma surgery may be safe, appropriate, and effective for you is to have a consultation with one of our experienced ophthalmologists. Because glaucoma presents differently from person to person, and because there are several types of laser glaucoma surgery available, it is important to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options. During your consultation, we will review your history, assess your specific case of glaucoma - like whether you have open- or closed-angle glaucoma, and recommend the most approrpiate course of treatment to help lower your eye pressures when medication is no longer effective.

Laser glaucoma surgery is considered an outpatient procedure that only takes a few minutes to complete. Patients should also arrange for a responsible adult to take them home afterward as they will be unable to drive. To start, our team will numb your eyes to ensure optimal comfort. Most patients do not experience any pain during surgery but may see flashes of light and hear clicking noises. Once you are prepped, we will use a specialized lens to help aim the laser in the precise treatment location. After your procedure, your vision will be blurry and your eyes may feel a bit sore. This is normal and will dissipate over the next few hours. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled accordingly, and it's important to follow all post-op instructions provided by our office.

How long does recovery from laser glaucoma surgery take?
Full recovery from laser glaucoma surgery can take around a month. However, if more extensive treatment is needed, recovery could take up to six weeks. Following your procedure, our team of skilled eye care professionals will let you know what you can expect during your recovery and when to schedule follow-up appointments.

Can glaucoma return after laser surgery?
The overall goal of laser glaucoma surgery is to alleviate the pressure on the optic nerve. While it cannot completely cure glaucoma, it can help to diminish further damage. Laser glaucoma surgery can effectively help to control the overall progression of the disease.

Can laser glaucoma surgery help to improve eyesight?
Glaucoma surgery cannot reverse damage to the eyesight that has already occurred. However, it can stop further damage to the eyesight from developing. The goal is to preserve as much of your eyesight as possible, which is why it is important to seek professional treatment as soon as you notice symptoms of glaucoma.

Laser surgery is a safe and effective solution that has been performed for many years to treat glaucoma. Our team at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians understands how frustrating it can be to suffer from chronic blurry vision and eye pain. If eye drops are no longer working for you, call our office in Baton Rouge, LA today to learn about all your laser treatment options. We are here to serve you.