Glaucoma

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
Is an iridectomy the only way to prevent closed-angle glaucoma? Are there less-invasive ways to achieve the same result?

Answer:
Laser iridectomy is the gold standard for treating angle-closure glaucoma and is the primary difference between the treatment of open-angle and angle-closure forms of glaucoma. Certain eyedrop medications can achieve a similar goal, but often medications don't provide the permanent change that is necessary. In some forms of angle closure, even the laser iridectomy may be insufficient and other treatments with medication or surgery may be necessary to consider.

Answered by: Louis B. Cantor, MD

Categories: Eye Conditions; Eye Diseases; Glaucoma, Eye Surgery

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