Treatments and Services

Columbia ophthalmologists use state-of-the-art procedures, technologies, and therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, such as:

• Medication – In the form of eye drops or pills, is the most common early treatment for glaucoma. Some medications cause the eye to make less fluid. Others lower pressure by helping fluid to drain from the eye.
• Conventional Surgery – Conventional surgery for glaucoma is performed only after medications or laser surgery have failed to control eye pressure. Surgery is about 80 to 95 percent effective at lowering eye pressure. The types of conventional surgeries for glaucoma include:
  • Trabeculectomy – A new opening is made for the fluid to leave the eye.
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implant – An implant is placed inside the eye to help fluid drain. Your eye doctor can help you decide which type is best for you.
• Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – Minially invasive surgery using microscopic instruments.
  • Trabectome – The meshwork inside the eye is removed to help fluid drain.
  • iStent – Two tiny tubes used to create a path to drain fluid in the eye and release eye pressure. 
  • Hydrus – Tiny instrument that is used to release eye pressure. 
  • Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) – Minimally invasive procedure used in open-angle glaucoma.
  • Goniotomy – Surgery using a small lens to visualize the eye structures, remove a portion of the trabecular meshwork, and open drainage canals. 
  • Xen – Small tube is permanently inserted to drain eye fluid.

Laser Surgery

• Laser Trabeculoplasty – This can help fluid drain out of the eye in open-angle glaucoma performed in an outpatient setting. If you have open-angle glaucoma, this is an option at any point in your treatment. In many cases, a person needs to keep taking glaucoma medication after this procedure.
• Laser Iridotomy – Used for closed-angle glaucoma, a hole is created in the iris to help relieve the blockage of the angle.
• Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation – Laser used to relieve eye pressure. 
• Endocyclophotocoagulation – Used to help manage and treat refractory glaucoma. 

Why Choose Columbia?

Columbia ophthalmologists use the latest, most innovative conventional and laser surgery techniques to treat all types of glaucoma in our state-of-the-art facilities, with years of experience and the utmost ability to provide unparalleled eye care in the most exceptionally compassionate and comprehensive way possible.