What is the laser or photocoagulator treatment for glaucoma commonly shown on TV?
This is a treatment for acute glaucoma only and consists of making a hole in the iris, permitting the aqueous to flow easily. It is not designed to treat simple glaucoma. A burst of light punches a hole instantly. Extreme care has to be taken, for if it is incorrectly applied, grave problems arise. Though this facility exists in Bombay and many places in India, most surgeons prefer the simpler and safer direct surgical approach as the sudden surge of high intensity light which burns the hole causes, at times, a violent reaction which may take weeks to subside. What are the chances of losing vision if the glaucoma is detected in time? Properly handled and detected in time, the glaucoma has virtually no chance of leading to loss of vision. In a routine simple glaucoma case, the important points to remember are early detection, adequate control and surgery when indicated. How long does one need to stay in the hospital after a glaucoma operation? Usually one day, though this depends upon t
