Laser surgery (known as laser trabeculoplasty) for
glaucoma helps fluid drain out of the eye.
Glaucoma laser surgery can't repair existing damage, but it usually stops glaucoma, both in acute emergencies and open angle cases. Laser surgery for glaucoma may involve minor side effects, but its risks are quite low. Its low risk allows earlier use in the course of glaucoma, when the potential benefit is greater.
These reasons may explain why glaucoma laser surgery has largely displaced traditional
glaucoma surgery, which involves hospital stays and higher risks.
Traditional glaucoma surgery can also help fluid escape from the eye and thereby reduce the pressure. However, this type of surgery is usually reserved for patients whose pressure cannot be controlled with eye drops, pills, or laser surgery.
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