Glaucoma Treatments

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often called the “sneak thief of sight” because it can quietly damage vision without early warning signs. It is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma cannot be cured, and vision that is lost cannot be restored. However, with early detection and proper treatment, vision loss can often be slowed or even prevented.

What Causes Glaucoma

Inside the front of your eye is a clear fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid:

• Nourishes the eye
• Maintains the eye’s shape
• Flows in and drains out through a natural drainage system

In many types of glaucoma, this drainage system becomes less efficient. Fluid builds up, increasing pressure inside the eye known as intraocular pressure (IOP). When pressure remains elevated, it can damage the optic nerve, leading to gradual and permanent vision loss.

Why Lowering Eye Pressure Is So Important

The first vision changes from glaucoma often affect side (peripheral) vision. Because this happens slowly, many people don’t notice it until significant damage has occurred.
Untreated glaucoma can make everyday activities difficult, including:

• Driving
• Reading
• Recognizing faces
• Enjoying sports or family activities

Lowering eye pressure is the only proven way to protect your vision from further damage.

Advanced Glaucoma Treatment Options

Today’s technology allows us to treat glaucoma in safer, more effective, and less invasive ways than ever before. In many cases, glaucoma procedures can even be performed at the same time as cataract surgery.
Below are some of the advanced options available.

Goniotomy: Advanced Glaucoma Treatment During Cataract Surgery

For patients with both cataracts and glaucoma, Burman & Zuckerbrod Ophthalmology Associates, P.C. offers goniotomy, a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery that can be performed at the same time as cataract surgery. This approach allows us to improve vision while also helping to better control eye pressure. It can also be performed as a stand-alone procedure.

What is Goniotomy?
Goniotomy is a microsurgical procedure that improves the eye’s natural drainage system. By creating a small opening in the trabecular meshwork, fluid can exit the eye more efficiently which helps to lower intraocular pressure, a key factor in managing glaucoma.

Are You a Candidate for Goniotomy?
Goniotomy may be a great option for patients who:

• Have mild to moderate glaucoma
• Also need cataract surgery
• Want to reduce their dependence on glaucoma eye drops
• Are looking for a safe, minimally invasive treatment option
  Benefits of Combined Surgery
• Addresses two conditions in one procedure
• May reduce or eliminate the need for daily glaucoma medications

By combining cataract surgery with goniotomy, we can streamline your care and help protect your vision for the future.

Ask us if goniotomy is right for you at your next appointment.

Canaloplasty: A Minimally Invasive Alternative

Canaloplasty is an advanced, non-penetrating glaucoma procedure designed to restore your eye’s natural drainage system.
Unlike traditional glaucoma surgery, canaloplasty does not create a new drainage hole. Instead, it improves the function of your existing drainage canal.

How Canaloplasty Is Performed
During the procedure:

1. A tiny incision is made to access the eye’s natural drainage canal.
2. A microscopic catheter gently travels around the canal.
3. A sterile gel (viscoelastic) is used to widen the drainage channel.
4. A small suture may be placed to keep the canal open long-term.

By improving natural fluid flow, canaloplasty lowers eye pressure in a safe and controlled way.

Benefits of Canaloplasty

• Lower risk of complications compared to traditional glaucoma surgery
• Reduced scarring
• Ideal for patients not ready for more aggressive surgery

Canaloplasty may be an excellent option for patients whose medications:

• Are no longer effective
• Cause side effects
• Are difficult to use consistently

MicroPulse P3 (MP3) Laser Therapy

MicroPulse P3 Cyclophotocoagulation is a minimally invasive laser treatment designed to lower eye pressure safely and gently.

How It Works
Traditional laser treatments apply continuous energy. MicroPulse technology delivers laser energy in short, controlled bursts, allowing tissue to cool between pulses.

This approach:

• Alters tissue without destroying it
• Reduces inflammation and risk
• Lowers eye pressure gradually

Pressure reduction may continue to improve over 1–3 months after treatment. In some cases, a second treatment may be recommended.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Every patient’s glaucoma is different. The best treatment depends on:

• The type and severity of glaucoma
• Current eye pressure levels
• Medication tolerance
• Overall health
• Whether cataract surgery is being performed

Burman & Zuckerbrod Ophthalmology Associates, P.C. strives to protect your vision using the safest and most effective treatment available for your specific needs.

If you have glaucoma, or have been diagnosed with high eye pressures, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options. Early action can make all the difference in preserving your sight for years to come.