Pg. 20 2026-27 Health & Wellness Magazine Lincoln Daily News effects. The eye drops may cause burning and stinging, redness around or in the eye, changes in your pulse or heartbeat, changes in your energy level, breathing changes (especially if you have asthma), dry mouth, blurred vision, changes in the skin around eyes and changes to eye color, and eyelash growth. It is important to give your doctor a list of all of your current medications and make sure that you never change or stop taking your glaucoma drops without talking to your ophthalmologist. Laser surgery There are two major types of laser surgery used to treat glaucoma. Trabeculoplasty is for open angle glaucoma. The surgeon uses a laser to make the drainage angle work better. It ensures fluid flows properly out of the eye and that the pressure is reduced. Iridotomy is used for closed angle glaucoma. The surgeon uses the laser to crate a tiny hole in the iris to help fluid flow to the drainage angle properly. Operating Room Surgery Some glaucoma is treated with surgery done in an operating room. Trabeculectomy can be done in the operating room. The surgeon creates a flap in the sclera (the dense white outer coating of the eyeball). This creates a bubble or pocket in the conjunctiva (the thin mucous membrane that lines the inner eyelids and the sclera) called a filtration bleb. This lowers eye pressure. The incision is hidden under the eyelid so it cannot be seen. In the bleb, fluid is absorbed by surrounding tissues. Glaucoma drainage devices may be used. The surgeon may place a drain tube in your eye. The tube send the extra fluid to a collection area where it is absorbed into nearby blood vessels. Cataract surgery is necessary when the Iris and cornea are too close together. Removing the lens with cataract surgery can correct the narrow angle and lower the pressure in the eye. Treating glaucoma successfully is a team effort. You, your doctor, and your ophthalmologist will work together to diagnose and treat your glaucoma. It is up to you to follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions and take your prescribed medications. You can expect to see your ophthalmologist every 3-6 months. Note: This article is for informational purposes only. It should not in any way be considered professional medical advice or medical advice of any kind. Lincoln Daily News is not responsible for any health issues that arise as a result of reading this informational article. [Lesleigh Bennett] Sources: Dr. Anju, Goval Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
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