10 Treatments of Glaucoma

9. Laser Surgery

Laser surgery uses a focused beam of light to treat glaucoma by increasing drainage or reducing the production of fluid to reduce pressure inside the eye. There are four main types of laser surgery used for different types and severity of glaucoma: selective laser trabeculoplasty, argon laser trabeculoplasty, laser peripheral iridotomy, and laser cyclophotocoagulation.

All four are usually carried out in the doctor's office or as a minor outpatient procedure in the hospital, with a recovery time of only days. Medications may still be necessary after surgery, but some people might be able to transition to a lower dosage. Side effects include a temporary increase in eye pressure, excessively low eye pressure, and a small risk of developing cataracts.