Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty for the Treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma
With glaucoma, the fluid pressure balance of the eye is abnormal. The aqueous fluid is produced within the ciliary body, travels throughout the front part of the eye and exits through the trabecular meshwork. When this system is not working properly, pressure builds up within the eye, causing damage.
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The Argon Laser trabeculoplasty is a laser treatment
where the physician uses an argon laser to selectively
treat this ring of meshlike tissue (Trabecular meshwork).
This is performed to improve the drainage of fluids from
the anterior segment of the eye. The physician uses a
special contact lens on the eye to allow him to view the angle structure of the eye and the trabecular network while using the laser. Though the trabecular network runs along the entire circumference of the iris, the treatment may be separated into several sessions treating only a section at a time.
It is believed that the Argon laser energy shrinks the fibers of the trabecular meshwork, which then causes the adjacent ‘holes’ or spaces within the tissue to enlarge, permitting a more rapid flow of fluid through the area and reducing the pressure inside the eye.
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Advantages
- Minimally invasive– No incision is made
- Only topical anesthetic is needed
- Is performed in the office
- Minimal post op inflammation
- You may return to normal activities immediately
Disadvantages
- May require multiple sessions
- Effects may be temporary
- Reduction in pressure may not be enough
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