What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve slowly breaks down at the exit of the eye (the papilla). The disease is often associated with high eye pressure and can occur in two forms. Ordinary glaucoma involves a moderate increase in pressure that causes a slow decay of the optic nerve. Acute glaucoma occurs when the fluid drainage in the eye is suddenly blocked, causing the pressure to rise sharply and can lead to the optic nerve withering within a few days.
Glaucoma is most often age-related, but can also be congenital or develop during adolescence. It can also be caused by diabetes or inflammation of the iris. In addition, glaucoma can be a complication of eye surgery or trauma, as well as caused by certain medications, especially steroids.
Treatment of glaucoma
The main aim of glaucoma treatment is to lower the eye pressure. This can be achieved using eye drops, laser treatment or surgery, typically in that order. In the case of acute glaucoma, once the acute attack is over, treatment can sometimes include a special laser that makes a hole in the iris to relieve the pressure.
Glaucoma laser treatment price
Price: DKK 9,600 per eye
How does glaucoma laser treatment work?
You will receive SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) treatment, which is a modern and gentle method to treat glaucoma. The goal of SLT is to lower eye pressure by improving the drainage of the clear fluid (aqueous humor) that naturally forms inside the eye.
The treatment is performed as an outpatient by an ophthalmologist and does not require surgery or hospitalization. The patient is given eye drops that dilate the pupil and numb the eye locally. A special laser is then used to stimulate the cells in the trabecular meshwork, the area of the eye where fluid normally drains out, without damaging the tissue. This stimulation causes the cells to function better, which improves fluid drainage and thus lowers the pressure in the eye.
The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, is painless and has few side effects. After treatment, the eye may feel slightly irritated and some patients experience a brief increase in pressure, which is usually treated with eye drops. The effects of SLT usually kick in after a few weeks and can last for several years. Treatment can be repeated if necessary.
SLT is particularly suitable for patients where eye drops are not sufficiently effective, cause side effects or where you want to reduce the use of medication. It is a well-documented and safe method that in many cases can delay or completely avoid the need for surgery.
After glaucoma laser treatment
After SLT treatment, it is common to experience mild and transient discomfort. Examples of typical reactions can be:
- Mild irritation or dryness in the eye
- Slightly foggy or blurred vision that usually disappears within a few hours
- Slight redness in the eye or a brief headache
These symptoms are usually harmless and disappear without treatment.
Medication and eye drops
It is important to follow the agreed medical treatment after SLT. Often existing eye drops are continued unless otherwise agreed with the ophthalmologist. In some cases, pressure-lowering or anti-inflammatory drops are supplemented for a short period after treatment.
Follow-up and control
The effect of SLT typically takes 4-6 weeks to appear. Therefore, a follow-up check-up is scheduled to measure eye pressure and assess the treatment outcome. In some patients, treatment can be repeated later if necessary.
When should the clinic be contacted?
Contact your ophthalmologist or seek immediate help if this occurs:
- Severe pain in the eye
- Sudden decrease in vision
- Pronounced redness or swelling in or around the eye
Contact and questions
If you have any questions or concerns after treatment, it is recommended to contact us. Proper follow-up is important to ensure the best possible outcome and preserve vision.
Questions about laser treatment for glaucoma
Can you get laser treatment for glaucoma?
Yes, laser can be used as a treatment for glaucoma, but not as a cure. Laser treatment can help lower eye pressure by improving fluid drainage or reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye. The most common type of laser treatment for glaucoma is laser trabeculoplasty, which helps open the drainage channels in the eye. However, it is usually a complementary treatment and medication or surgery may be necessary depending on the type and severity of glaucoma.
What are the risks of laser eye treatment?
The risks of laser treatment for glaucoma are generally low, but some side effects may occur, such as temporary pain, irritation, increased pressure in the eye, or visual disturbances such as flashes of light. In rare cases, laser treatment can lead to unwanted changes in eye pressure, infection or scarring. The effect of the treatment may also diminish over time and some people may need additional treatments.
When is glaucoma surgery performed?
Glaucoma surgery is considered when medication and/or laser treatment are not sufficient to control eye pressure or if there are signs of visual damage. Surgery may also be necessary if the pressure in the eye is very high or if there is a risk of further damage to the optic nerve. The surgery aims to reduce the pressure in the eye to prevent further vision loss.