SURGERY
Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma is a disease characterized by the gradual and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. It is typically associated with increased intraocular pressure. In most cases, this occurs due to an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor (intraocular fluid). When the fluid accumulates inside the eye, it increases intraocular pressure.
Symptoms
In the early stages, glaucoma may have no symptoms, which is what makes it especially dangerous. Over time, symptoms begin to appear, including:
Loss of peripheral vision (visual field defects)
Reduced visual acuity
Loss of contrast sensitivity
Increased light sensitivity (photophobia)
Diagnosis and Eye Exam
Risk factors include genetic predisposition and age. Regular check-ups are crucial, especially for high-risk patients (such as those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma). For patients over 40, measuring intraocular pressure is a routine part of every eye exam.
Glaucoma screening includes:
– Visual acuity test
– Slit-lamp examination
– Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry)
– Corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry)
– Assessment of the anterior chamber angle
– Fundus exam focused on the optic nerve
Treatment Options
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can halt or slow down the progression of the disease.
Eye Drops
The first-line treatment is pharmacological therapy using eye drops, which regulate the production and drainage of intraocular fluid. The goal is to reduce intraocular pressure.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is recommended if eye drops fail to control the pressure. At the Dr. Böhm Eye Center, we perform several types of glaucoma procedures:
- YAG laser iridotomy
Suitable for narrow-angle glaucoma or angle-closure. It creates a small hole in the iris to
improve fluid outflow.
- Trabeculectomy (filtering surgery)
A surgical procedure in which the surgeon creates a drainage channel through the
conjunctiva to allow aqueous humor to exit the eye and reduce pressure.
- Basal iridectomy
A surgical “window” is created in the iris to facilitate fluid drainage.
- SLT laser (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
A non-invasive laser method that improves drainage by targeting specific cells in the
trabecular meshwork.
- Preservflo micro shunt implant
A modern implant inserted to permanently improve the outflow of aqueous fluid from the anterior chamber, helping reduce pressure.
All of these procedures aim to improve fluid drainage from the front part of the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure to normal levels.
SLT laser (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
At Dr. Böhma Eye Center, we offer patients with glaucoma a new, modern treatment option – SLT laser therapy.
It is a safe and gentle method for lowering intraocular pressure, which is the main cause of optic nerve damage in this disease.
SLT stands for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and works on the eye’s natural drainage system. Using precise, very short laser pulses, it stimulates cells in the eye’s drainage channels to improve the outflow of intraocular fluid.
This laser procedure is a non-invasive, painless method of helping patients with open-angle glaucoma. It takes only a few minutes. During the treatment, no surrounding tissue is damaged, and the patient can go home immediately afterward without any restrictions.
SLT represents a modern, gentle, quick, and—most importantly—effective way to keep intraocular pressure under control and serves as an excellent alternative to long-term eye drop therapy.
During the procedure, you can rely on our team of specialists.
MUDr. Peter Böhm - Medical Director, Dr. Böhm Eye Center
In addition to performing cataract, retina and vitreous surgeries, he also specializes in the
comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
MUDr. Peter Böhm Jr. - Cataract & Retina Surgeon
He is the lead retinal surgeon at the eye center and also performs cataract surgeries and treats
complications related to cataract operations.
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