Surgery

If the anterior chamber angle depth is very shallow, laser peripheral iridotomy may be recommended as a preventive measure. During a laser iridotomy, the ophthalmologist uses a laser to make a hole in the iris (the colored part of the eye) to decrease the risk of acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Conventional incisional surgery (known as filtering procedures) is generally reserved for people with documented optic nerve damage due to glaucoma. The most common filtering surgery is trabeculectomy.

During trabeculectomy, the ophthalmologist creates an alternate pathway (or drainage channel) in the eye to increase the passage of fluid from the eye. By constructing a new drainage channel, the fluid is able to flow better outside the eye. As a result, IOP is lowered.

Laser trabeculoplasty is infrequently needed for treating people who are glaucoma suspect. During this procedure, the ophthalmologist uses an argon laser beam to place small spots (burns) on the trabecular meshwork, which further open the holes in the trabecular meshwork, allowing the fluid (aqueous humor) to flow better out of the eye.