Laser Treatment for Glaucoma

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a medical condition that encompasses eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting information from the eye to the brain. 

This disease can impair vision without presenting any symptoms, making it a silent and progressive condition. If the optic nerve is damaged and diagnosed late, glaucoma can lead to blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide and affects about 100,000 people in Portugal.

Glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss, and its prevalence increases with age. However, if diagnosed early and treated properly, the likelihood of blindness is significantly reduced. The causes of glaucoma are unknown but are strongly associated with elevated intraocular pressure. This disease can also arise after eye surgeries, the use of certain medications, high degrees of myopia, a family history of Glaucoma, hypothyroidism, heart disease, high blood pressure, and eye injuries.

Although Glaucoma is a chronic disease with no cure, it can be controlled through medication and surgery, including laser surgery. These treatments can be used alone or in combination. Initially, medical treatment includes the application of eye drops. Given that it is a progressive condition, regular follow-up examinations are necessary.

When medical treatment is ineffective or not well-tolerated, surgical treatment, including laser therapy, is provided. Currently, these therapies are less invasive, safer, and have a faster recovery time. Laser procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with topical anesthesia (eye drops).

Laser Trabeculoplasty

This technique involves the application of argon laser, which allows for better drainage of aqueous humor, helping control eye pressure.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

This involves the application of Nd laser, reducing resistance to the outflow of aqueous humor and helping to lower eye pressure. This technique does not produce tissue damage because it has no thermal effects. It is practically free of side effects, effective in 90% of cases, and can be repeated if necessary.

At Grupo HPA Saúde, you can find ophthalmologists specializing in the diagnosis of glaucoma, as well as the necessary exams for its treatment.