Sea Island - Ophthalmology, LLC

111 High Tide Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906

(843) 525-1500

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Sometimes called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma can damage your vision so gradually you don't notice any loss of vision until the disease is at an advanced stage. Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when too much fluid pressure builds up inside of the eye. This increase in pressure (called intraocular pressure) can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. If damage to the optic nerve from high eye pressure continues, glaucoma will cause loss of vision. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause total permanent blindness within a few years.

Because most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain from this increased pressure, it is important to have regular routine eye exams - during a routine eye exam with Dr. Siegel, your eyes will be screened for eye diseases and disorders. Early detection is key in the prevention of vision loss! 

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma. This is the most common type of glaucoma. The structures of the eye appear normal, but fluid in the eye does not flow properly through the drain of the eye, called the trabecular meshwork.
• Angle-closure glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is less common but can cause a sudden buildup of pressure in the eye. Drainage may be poor because the angle between the iris and the cornea (where a drainage channel for the eye is located) is too narrow. Or, the pupil opens too wide, narrowing the angle and blocking the flow of the fluid through that channel.

Please consult with Dr. Siegel at Sea Island Ophthalmology in Beaufort regarding glaucoma treatment options. Dr. Siegel will be able to diagnose the type of glaucoma and the actual severity of the Intraocular Pressure (IOP). Treatment options will drastically vary from patient to patient.

SLT – Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is quickly becoming a widely accepted treatment option in glaucoma treatment. SLT offers a new glimpse of hope for glaucoma patients. By engaging in this NEW laser technology, the ophthalmologists can now lower pressure that can possibly help a patient avoid more invasive surgery. The surgery might even reduce the dependence on medications or drops.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an advanced laser system that improves the flow of fluid in the eye, lowering Intraocular pressure (IOP) for patients who have glaucoma.  SLT uses short pulses of low energy laser light to target melanin-containing cells in a network of tiny channels, called the trabecular meshwork. The objective of the surgery is to help fluids drain out of the eye, reducing intra-ocular pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision.

Request an Eye Exam at Sea Island Ophthalmology Today! 

To request an eye exam at Sea Island Ophthalmology, you can simply call our main line, or fill in our online contact form to have a member of our staff reach out to you. A comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Siegel can help with the early diagnosis of glaucoma and other eye diseases!