There is no cure for glaucoma. However, when treated as early as possible, the condition can be controlled to protect your vision. The effectiveness of glaucoma treatment methods must be regularly monitored to ensure that your eye pressure remains in an acceptable range.

A Difference You Can See

Dr. Pendleton will ask about your hobbies to ensure you are not putting your vision at risk when you have glaucoma.

Dr. Robert Pendleton will assess the root cause of your eye pressure problems in order to recommend the proper treatment or combination of treatments. The methods listed below will treat the open-angle type of glaucoma which accounts for 95% of all glaucoma cases.

• Laser trabeculoplasty (ALT or SLT): a laser is used to clear the blocked drainage channels of the eye by directly treating the trabecular meshwork
• iStent© Trabecular Micro-Bypass: a miniature device (stent) that can be implanted into the trabecular meshwork to improve the natural outflow of fluid. The iStent is the prototype of a new family of treatments called Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or MIGS
• Trabeculectomy: An artificial channel (fistula) is created in the sclera allowing fluid to flow out of the eye by a new pathway
• Shunts: a flexible tube is inserted into the drainage area of the eye, through the sclera to allow fluid to flow out by a new pathway

Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency because the rise in eye pressure is very sudden. Dr. Pendleton uses a special surgical technique for this condition:

• Iridotomy: a laser is used to create a hole in the iris to allow fluid to properly escape into the drainage angle. Iridotomy can be performed prophylactically to prevent angle closure when the angle is narrow.
• Cataract Surgery is the definitive treatment for narrow angles and narrow-angle glaucoma. Unless scarring of the angle has occurred, removing the lens opens the angle to its widest extent and is curative.

The only way to know what type of treatment is most appropriate to lower your eye pressure and save your vision is by scheduling an eye exam with us. We will properly diagnose your condition and discuss the treatment options with you.

To learn more about glaucoma in Oceanside, California, contact us today.