What we treat

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a multi-factor neuropathy of the optic nerve which leads to progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells. As a result, deterioration or even loss of vision may occur. Developing optic nerve damage most frequently occurs as a result of an increased intraocular pressure. Unfortunately, the development of glaucoma is in most cases asymptomatic; therefore, it is worth performing periodic eye examinations in order not to overlook first symptoms of the disease.

In an advanced stage of the disease, when the optic nerve is seriously damaged, patients may present with:

restricted visual field (so-called tunnel vision),
vision disturbances – so-called halo effect,
eye redness,
headache,
nausea and vomiting.

Key factors of glaucoma diagnosis include:

intraocular pressure measurement, including corneal thickness (pachymetry) in order to assess actual intraocular pressure,
assessment of the optic disc,
examination of the optic disc with the use of OCT
automated visual field examination,
gonioscopy – assessment of the iridocorneal angle.

SLT is a gentle and non-invasive laser procedure reducing the intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Gentle impulses of the laser light are supplied to respective eye structures, which facilitates outflow of fluid contained in the eye. This way, the intraocular pressure is reduced within 4-6 weeks.

For whom?

This quick and painless procedure is an effective solution for the majority of glaucoma patients.

Advantages of the procedure:

enables glaucoma treatment (reduction of the intraocular pressure by approx. 20%),
in some instances, the patient may not require anti-glaucoma medication,
The method is repeatable and safe – it does not interfere with the eye anatomy.

Laser iridotomy is a procedure for narrow angle-closure glaucoma. It involves creation of a small incision in the iris in order to achieve a free pass for the aqueous humour from the posterior to anterior chamber.

For whom?

It is performed in patients with a risk of complete closure of the iridocorneal angle, which may lead to acute glaucoma attack combined with a very high intraocular pressure.

Advantages of the procedure:

Necessary in subject with narrow angle – protection against closed-angle glaucoma and acute angle closure glaucoma.
quick,
safe.

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) with a diode laser is a procedure reducing the intraocular pressure through partial damage to the ciliary body, which is responsible for secretion of the aqueous humour inside the eye. Several-second laser radiations are performed with a special probe.

For whom?

It may be used for any type of glaucoma. Moreover, the procedure is always indicated if glaucoma may not be pharmacologically controlled.

Advantages of the procedure:

high efficacy – in most patients, further pharmacological treatment is not necessary,
safety – this is a low-invasive method,
no restrictions to use other methods – in the case of inadequate pressure reduction, the doctor may use another therapeutic method, e.g. a pharmacological or surgical one.

Postoperative instructions

pharmacotherapy,
follow-up as instructed by the doctor.