Trabeculoplasty

Trabeculoplasty is a laser treatment for glaucoma that improves the flow of aqueous humor in the eye. It is a common procedure used to manage open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.

Procedure

The procedure involves the use of a laser to create small burns in the trabecular meshwork of the eye. This helps to increase the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Types

There are two types of trabeculoplasty: argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). ALT was the first type of trabeculoplasty developed and uses an argon laser to treat the trabecular meshwork. SLT, on the other hand, uses a low-energy laser and only treats specific cells in the trabecular meshwork, leaving the rest of the tissue intact.

Effectiveness

Trabeculoplasty is generally effective in lowering intraocular pressure, with most patients experiencing a significant reduction in pressure for at least one year after the procedure. However, the effectiveness of the procedure may decrease over time, and some patients may require additional treatments.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, trabeculoplasty carries some risks. These may include temporary increase in intraocular pressure, inflammation, and changes in vision. In rare cases, serious complications such as cataract formation or damage to the cornea can occur.

See Also

• Glaucoma
• Laser treatment
• Aqueous humor
• Intraocular pressure
• Trabecular meshwork

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