Open Angle Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled by lowering the pressure in the eye, with the use of eyedrops, laser or surgery.

In most cases, if medications are successful in controlling the eye pressure, they will be continued for the rest of the patient's life, and regular use according to your physician's instructions is absolutely necessary to maintain control of the disease.

An argon laser trabeculoplasty is an effective treatment that can often help to lower eye pressures for several years when eyedrops are not enough. The offices of the East West Eye Institute are equipped with in-house argon lasers so necessary treatment is quick, effective and relatively painless. Most patients return to full activity with no restrictions immediately after their treatment.

If medications and/or laser do not provide adequate control of the condition, a surgical procedure known as a trabeculectomy may be necessary. You can be assured that our doctors have performed thousands of such operations, and we will put this vast experience to use to help you should the need arise.

Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Fortunately, most eyes with narrow angles that are at risk for angle closure can be identified by an eye examination. To prevent an attack of angle closure, a laser peripheral iridotomy may be recommended. With this procedure, a laser is used to create a tiny hole in your iris near the drainage angle, effectively preventing any chance for blockage of the angle from occurring. This eliminates the risk of angle closure glaucoma for most narrow angle patients. The procedure is relatively painless and can be done in the office, and usually takes just a few minutes to perform.

Side effects of a laser peripheral iridotomy are generally mild but may include increased glare and rarely double vision. A pressure “spike” can sometimes occur immediately after the procedure. This can usually be controlled in the office by the use of eyedrops. On rare occasions, the iridotomy created by the laser may close, requiring a repeat laser procedure to reopen this tiny hole.

Glaucoma Doctors in West Los Angeles

The eye doctors at the East West Eye Institute want you to know that glaucoma is a potentially serious eye disease and that we have the expertise to diagnose and manage all forms of this potentially sight threatening condition.