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SLT laser is a form of "cold laser" that does not burn the trabecular meshwork - rather it stimulates it to enhance drainage of fluid out of the eye. The results are modestly impressive - 5 year results indicate a 20-30% drop in eye pressure. It is a treatment that can be repeated, and surgery to control pressure can be delayed or postponed indefinitely as a result.

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Memantine is a new drug for glaucoma, that has undergone extensive trials to establish its effectiveness. Disappointingly, it has not demonstrated the benefits expected, and plans to release this medication in the UK are therefore on hold.

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Pigment dispersion syndrome

Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 07 July 2004
Pigment dispersion syndrome The lifetime risk of developing glaucoma in this condition has previously been noted to be around 50%. Pigment from the back of the iris is released into the front chamber of the eye and is deposited in various areas - onto the back of the cornea, and also onto the trabecular meshwork - the part of the eye that drains fluid out of the eye. Over years, pigment dispersion within the eye can lead to elevated eye pressure, and this may lead to the development of glaucoma. The reason why some people get pigment dispersion is that the shape of the iris tends to bow back towards the lens (that lies behind the iris). This concavity of the iris means that the pigment layer on the back of the iris can rub against the lens more readily.Performing an iridotomy (a tiny dot opening in the iris created by laser) is known to flatten the iris contour, presumably reducing pigment release. Laser is not performed in all cases. Another type of laser, laser trabeculoplasty is particularly effective in this condition.
Last Updated ( Friday, 09 November 2007 )

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Medications for glaucoma

Glaucoma medications are constantly improving and new agents combine prosta drugs and beta blockers. This improves 'compliance' ie how well the medication is taken, as many patients forget to take drops.

Iridotomy

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Laser iridotomy is performed to reduce the risk of or to treat primary angle closure ("narrow angle glaucoma"). This type of glaucoma can be associated with longsightedness, and may run in the family, as with other types of glaucoma. Iridotomy is a safe procedure, and prevent angle closure in most cases, but does not eliminate the risk. Sometimes cataract surgery is preferred as a primary option.

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There are over a hundred types of glaucoma. Most commonly, in the UK, patients have Primary Open Angle Glaucoma ("POAG"). Most types of glaucoma are treated the same. Some variants progress at different rates, but most types progress slowly but surely (ie lead to visual field loss) without treatment. Another common type is Normal Pressure Glaucoma. This tends to be more slowly progressive. Secondary glaucomas are rare (less than 5%), as is congenital glaucoma.