Glaucoma Treatments and Surgery

Two laser treatments and one surgery may be recommended at different stages in the treatment of glaucoma: Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), Argonne Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) and glaucoma surgery.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

This preventative technique is used to preempt the occurrence of a glaucoma attack. During an eye examination, an eye doctor may notice that the angle in the eye appears to be too narrow. A narrow angle tends not to drain properly and can lead to a build up of fluid and pressure, a precursor to glaucoma. In LPI, a laser is used to place a tiny opening in the iris in order to improve drainage. The treatment requires no sutures and is handled on a same day, outpatient basis. The patient is required to use anti-inflammatory eye drops for approximately one week following the treatment. LPI has a very high success rate.

Argonne Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)

ALT is used for patients who have already been diagnosed with glaucoma and for whom eye pressure remains too high even after trying treatments with various eye drops. During the treatment, a laser is applied to heat up certain portions of the tissue. This process stretches the pores and opens up the outflow channels for fluid, which decreases eye pressure.

ALT is a same day, outpatient procedure that causes minimal discomfort. A topical anesthetic is administered in the eye prior to the treatment. Then a clear lens is placed on the eye to help focus light. The patient experiences approximately 30 to 40 flashes of light while the laser is applied. The treatment takes about ten minutes per eye and patients usually go home after another hour. Anti-inflammatory eye drops are administered for approximately one week following the treatment. Any reduction in IOP is seen within the first four weeks following the procedure. The success rate for ALT is approximately 75%.

Glaucoma Surgery

When all other treatments fail, glaucoma surgery (filtration) may be called for. The purpose of the surgery is to create a new outflow channel that works in tandem with the existing channels. The resulting increased drainage reduces the pressure in the eye and prevents any further eye deterioration. It is important to understand that glaucoma surgery cannot improve or reverse the damage already done by the disease. Its use is as a preventative measure to limit further damage or worsening of the disease. The surgery has about an 80% success rate.

Glaucoma surgery is handled on an outpatient basis; no overnight hospital stay is needed. The procedure takes less than one hour. A local anesthetic is administered. The surgery does require some sutures, which may need to be removed during recovery. Patients use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks following the procedure. Blurry vision may occur after the surgery but is typically temporary. This surgery is successful for about 2 out of every 3 people who undergo it.

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Testimonials

  • "Cannot recommend Dr Coad & his lasik coordinator Nicole enough. They are wonderfully supportive and gentle that even if you are nervous it will be difficult to stay that way around this supportive duo! Without a doubt recommend going to see them, they are worth the additional care and cost for a full-service experience that are there just to help you & give you the best vision possible. Thank you Dr Coad & Nicole."
    Yasmin L.
  • "Dr. Coad and his staff made the experience of having a cataract removed the best it could possibly be, from evaluation to discussing options to being reassuring when the surgery began, to follow-up. The evaluation process was efficient, yet at no time did I feel as if it was anything but personal. His staff at all times were both professional and welcoming. Vace, the surgical coordinator, did everything to make sure the surgical process went smoothly.
    As to Dr. Coad himself, I can't say enough. His skill is absolutely top-notch, but it was the concern that he took in making sure that I understood all of my options, and his reassuring manner before, during and after the surgery which makes it easy to recommend him to the fullest to anyone who needs ophthalmic care."
    Ed W.
  • "Had a five star experience at Chelsea Eye! I went to Dr Yoon for an eye exam and she was extremely friendly, helpful and down to earth! I have met all the staff and they are very friendly and easy to talk to. Hugo in particular was wonderful to work with during the exam. It was a breathe of fresh air coming to this practice and I highly recommend going here for an Optometry appointment or Opthalmology appointment with Dr Coad."
    Devon T.
  • "Can I please take a moment and talk about how awesome Dr. Jay Yoon is?!

    I would be friends with this woman! I went in freaked out about a blood vessel on my eye and in total hypochondriac mode (is it a stroke? Is this connected to my brain? Is it gonna spread?). She laughed and calmly said "looks like you've always had this and it's fine and here are some drops cause your eyes are dry and here's my great primary doctor who I recommend since you don't have one."

    She was very funny and relatable and cool - she didn't try to rush me away and she was honest about everything too and so helpful.

    I've already started recommending her and now I'll do it on here: book an appt and be treated so warmly."
    Bonnie G.
  • "Dr Coad and Nicole were both absolutely wonderful. After my brother had LASIK surgery, I decided to go ahead and do the same.

    Both Nicole and Dr. Coad are very proficient in their work. They answered any and all questions that I had, and calmed every nervous feeling that arose from the start, up until the surgery.

    Going through the surgery I was EXTREMELY nervous and Dr. Coad walked me through the entire procedure (before and during) and made my whole LASIK experience a breeze.

    I can not recommend them enough. If you are interested in LASIK Dr. Coad is the only doctor I would trust."
    Christina V.
  • "This team is the absolute best. Christine is a gift from the gods and makes you feel comfortable supported and amazing. She really got me through my anxieties about my recent lasik surgery - which went great! Dr Coad is the best. A fantastic team, a simple process - I highly recommend this team - if you've ever considered lasik (like I have for the last 20 years) make an appt with this great group. You'll be happy you did."
    Mark P.
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