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Glaucoma Treatment in Melbourne & Brevard County, FL

Also serving Merritt Island, Suntree & Viera

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that leads to vision loss and blindness. The condition causes damage to your optic nerve due to abnormally high eye pressure.

This occurs when the eye’s drainage system is not functioning properly. The eye’s fluid (aqueous humor) drains through an angle between the iris and cornea. When this angle is open but the eye’s fluid does not drain correctly, it’s called open-angle glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the angle is blocked, which rapidly increases eye pressure and constitutes a medical emergency.

Open-angle glaucoma is a gradual eye disease, and many people have no idea they have the condition until their side vision is damaged. This form of glaucoma is typically caught early through comprehensive eye exams at TRES VISION Group. There are various treatments designed to slow glaucoma progression, but once vision is affected, no medication or surgery can restore your eyesight.

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Eye Care Treatment Melbourne FL

What is a stent?

The stent trabecular micro-bypass is FDA-approved to treat open-angle glaucoma. The minimally invasive device is implanted in the eye to increase aqueous humor outflow and lower eye pressure. The stent is a tiny titanium device placed during cataract surgery through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal. The trabecular meshwork is a spongy tissue and one of the main structures involved in the drainage angle. This tissue is where the fluid faces the greatest resistance, increasing eye pressure if the outflow is slow or inadequate. Schlemm’s canal is a circular system that collects the eye’s fluid flowing from the trabecular meshwork and directs it into the veins of your eye.

The stent improves fluid drainage and lowers your eye pressure to normal limits by restoring a functional angle. It can eliminate the need for standard treatments such as eye drops.

The stent is placed during cataract surgery to relieve Intraocular Pressure (IOP). Essentially it is a small tube used to allow fluids to pass. If you’re the right candidate for the stent you’ll experience a reduce dependency on glaucoma medication and corrective lenses.

SMALLEST MEDICAL DEVICE APPROVED BY FDA

Benefits for Glaucoma

Treat your open-angle glaucoma in a way that will make you forget it ever existed. Patients will not see or feel the device once placed in their eye. You can have an stent placed during your cataract surgery. It only makes sense to take care of your glaucoma and face one less eye concern.

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Reduced Need For Daily Eye Drops

You will spend the rest of your life putting one, two or even three different kinds of drops in every day. Unfortunately, all of these drops will not only be inconvenient but potentially very expensive. By having an stent placed the pressure in your eyes will be controlled, eliminating the need for multiple eye drop applications.

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Fewer Risks than Traditional Glaucoma Management

You won’t need to depend on glasses or glaucoma medication after placement of the stent as it controls the IOP of the eye. Unlike other glaucoma management solutions, the stent results in fewer problems for you following the procedure.

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Less Dependency on Glasses

AVOID THE HASSLE OF WEARING GLASSES

Reduced Dependency on Glasses

A stent will allow you to see more clearly and escape the aggravation that comes with wearing glasses. The stent controls your glaucoma by creating a drainage passway and reducing pressure in the eye. You will likely be able to see without glasses, or with a lowered dependency on glasses, following the placement of the stent.

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SAFER GLAUCOMA TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE

What Is SLT?

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a procedure designed to treat those with glaucoma. It is a simple and effective treatment that decreases intraocular pressure (IOP). The treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure and can take as little as five minutes to complete.

SLT works by focusing laser energy on the drainage tissue, which is also known as the trabecular meshwork. It is located at the front of the eye and is the natural fluid drain location. This effectively lowers eye pressure and helps improve the health of the eye. Treatment with SLT laser is intended to save your sight from the harmful effects of glaucoma.

Is Glaucoma Treatment with SLT Safe?

SLT has been used since 1995 to improve eye health. With a high success rate and few long-term side effects, this treatment is not only effective and quick, but also safe. While some patients may be hesitant to move forward with treatment due to concerns about pain, there is little need to worry — this procedure is generally regarded as a pain-free experience. There are no injections or needles used during your treatment. Discomfort is minimized with the use of eye drops before treatments begin. You may be treated with special eye drops following your procedure to manage any inflammation.

SLT Laser Candidates

It is important to know that the only way to truly determine if treatment with SLT is right for you is to consult with one of the experts at TRES VISION Group. If any of the following apply, you may be a good candidate for glaucoma treatment with SLT:

  • You have primary open-angle, pigmentary, pseudoexfoliation, or juvenile glaucoma. During your consultation, one of our skilled doctors will help you understand more about the type of glaucoma you have and the relevant treatment options available to you.
  • You have difficulty taking glaucoma medications.
  • You want to combine drug therapy treatment with SLT.

Benefits of Glaucoma Treatment with SLT Lasers

Lowered IOP: SLT laser treatment can significantly lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma, and full results are apparent within three months of your procedure.

Lasting results: This reduction in pressure can last up to five years, providing patients with sustained eye health. When the effects wear off, patients can safely undergo subsequent treatments.

Eliminate the need for eye drops: Some patients find it challenging to remember to use prescribed eye drops to treat their glaucoma. Additionally, allergies and side effects from glaucoma medications make it difficult for some people to use as the primary treatment. SLT laser is an ideal alternative that provides noticeable and lasting results.

Is Glaucoma Treatment right for you?

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Frequently Asked Questions

TOP-OF-THE-LINE EQUIPMENT

Advanced Technology & Machinery

Our technology was selected for its superior performance and exceptional results. At TRES VISION Group, we pride ourselves in using the best equipment available to get you the results you’re looking for.

Recovery

The device is placed during a short outpatient procedure. Soon after your procedure, you will be released into the care of a companion to go home. Do not drive yourself, as your vision may be impaired and you may feel tired or groggy from the sedative medication. We will give you a clear plastic shield and possibly a patch to place over the treated eye.

Common Aftereffects

Everyone recovers from their procedure a little differently. It is common to experience blurry vision for approximately two weeks. Your eye may be swollen or irritated, too. If you experience sensitivity to the sun, wear wraparound sunglasses when going outdoors.

Though it is perfectly safe to read, watch television or use your smartphone after the procedure, you may find that your eyes tire faster than they used to. This is temporary. Try to take care and rest and relax your eyes whenever possible.

Precautions to Take After Your Glaucoma Procedure

You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to minimize the aftereffects and risks of complications. Use these drops as instructed, and let our team know if you have any questions or problems. We may ask you to wear a protective shield over your eye for a few weeks after surgery; this will prevent you from accidentally scratching your eye while you sleep.

After your procedure, you will be asked to refrain from certain activities that could cause a spike in your eye pressure. These activities include the following:

  • High-impact, strenuous exercise or sports activities
  • Heavy lifting (i.e., anything more than 10 or so pounds)
  • Straining

Other activities to avoid include wearing contact lenses or eye makeup, which could irritate your healing eye even more than normal. You should also be careful not to rub or press on your eye. If you feel as though a speck of dirt or dust is stuck in your eye, try to flush it out with water or artificial tears instead of scratching at it.

Most people with desk jobs take a few days or a week off from work after the procedure. If your job involves heavy lifting or lots of bending over or straining, plan to take some additional time off before returning.

Potential Signs of a Complication

Complications are very rare, but it is always helpful to know what signs to watch out for. If you experience any unusual discharge from your eye, excessive redness/swelling or a fever, you could have an infection. Contact our office promptly to schedule an evaluation.

Follow-up Care

Dr. Tres will want to see you during your recovery to check your healing progress and evaluate the outflow of fluid from your eye. When you see him for your follow-up appointments, he will advise when you can go back to work and the rest of your normal activities. You can ask him questions or bring up any concerns you have during these appointments. Our team is also available by phone or email in between appointments if you have a quick question.

HAVE QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.

FAQ

  • Where is the stent placed?

    The stent is placed in Schlemm’s canal, a placement that allows for drainage and proper management of pressure within the eye. It is placed through an incision made in the cornea.

  • How long will my vision be blurry after an stent procedure?

    You experience may vary from other patients, but expect to notice blurred vision for up to two weeks following the procedure. You might experience swelling of the eye or the appearance of irritation as well. Get in contact with your ophthalmologist if your vision remains blurry for more than two weeks following your procedure.

  • How does stent work?

    The stent creates an area where the pressure can be released in the eye to keep blockages or clogs from building up. This creates a natural flow in the eyes. This device manages intraocular pressure (IOP) and cuts back on the need for glaucoma-controlling medications.

  • What are the types of glaucoma and what is the best treatment option for each?

    Glaucoma includes several types, each requiring a specific treatment approach:

    1. Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most prevalent form, usually managed initially with prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). If drops are ineffective, other options include oral medications, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures like trabeculectomy or the installation of micro drainage devices.
    2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type requires urgent treatment to reduce IOP quickly. Initial therapy might include eye drops, IV medications, and oral pills, followed by laser peripheral iridotomy to create a drainage hole in the iris, helping fluid escape and reduce eye pressure.
    3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this form, optic nerve damage occurs despite normal IOP levels. Treatment often focuses on reducing the IOP even further through medications or surgeries similar to those used for open-angle glaucoma.
    4. Congenital Glaucoma: Present at birth, this rare form is typically treated surgically to correct the structural defects of the eye.

  • When should I see a doctor for glaucoma care?

    It is crucial to see an eye doctor if you notice any signs of eye trouble, especially the sudden symptoms associated with angle-closure glaucoma. For those at risk or over the age of 40, regular eye exams are essential every one to two years. Those with higher risk factors, such as a family history of glaucoma, past eye injuries, or conditions like diabetes, should consider more frequent evaluations. Once you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, regular monitoring is essential.

  • How is glaucoma monitored over time?

    Glaucoma is monitored through a combination of regular eye exams and specific diagnostic tests that help track the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. Here’s a detailed look at the common methods used to monitor glaucoma:

    1. Tonometry: This test measures the intraocular pressure (IOP) in your eyes, which is a primary factor in glaucoma. Elevated IOP is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma and for the progression of the disease. Regular measurements help determine how well current treatment methods are controlling your IOP.
    2. Visual Field Test (Perimetry): This test maps the visual fields of each eye individually to identify any areas of vision loss. Glaucoma typically affects peripheral vision initially, and a visual field test can be crucial in detecting these changes early. It’s often repeated periodically to determine if the loss of vision is stable or worsening.
    3. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a sophisticated scanning system that produces highly detailed images of the retina and the optic nerve. It can measure the thickness of the nerve fiber layer and other structures in the back of the eye, which helps in detecting changes or damage due to glaucoma.
    4. Gonioscopy: This diagnostic procedure examines the drainage angle of the eye, where the fluid is supposed to exit. It helps in identifying whether the angles are open, narrow, or closed.
    5. Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Corneal thickness can influence eye pressure readings, and a thinner cornea is a risk factor for developing glaucoma.
    6. Retinal Imaging: Advanced imaging techniques like scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and others are used to create baseline images and track changes in the optic nerve and the retina over time.

    Regular monitoring is essential in managing glaucoma, as it helps in adjusting treatment plans to prevent further vision loss.