Why Glaucoma Follow Up Care Is So Important
Glaucoma treatment is not a one time event. Even after eye pressure has been lowered, regular monitoring is necessary to determine whether the optic nerve remains protected. At our location in Redding, patients receive personalized glaucoma care that may include prescription eye drops, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery.
Follow up examinations help your ophthalmologist understand how well treatment is working and whether the plan needs to be adjusted.
Glaucoma Can Progress Without Symptoms
Glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Elevated eye pressure is an important risk factor, although glaucoma can also develop when pressure falls within a range considered normal.
Most patients do not notice symptoms during the early stages of the disease. Peripheral vision may decline slowly, and the brain can compensate for missing information. As a result, a patient may feel that their vision is stable even when glaucoma is progressing.
Because vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, testing is essential for detecting changes before the patient notices them.
What Happens During Glaucoma Monitoring?
A glaucoma follow up visit may include several different tests. Your ophthalmologist may:
- Measure the pressure inside your eyes
- Examine and photograph the optic nerve
- Test your peripheral vision
- Measure the thickness of the cornea
- Evaluate the eye’s drainage system
- Compare current findings with previous results
These tests provide more information than an eye pressure reading alone. If the optic nerve or peripheral vision continues to change, a lower target pressure or a different treatment may be needed.
When SLT May Be Recommended
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, commonly called SLT, is an office based laser treatment that helps improve the eye’s natural drainage system. Better drainage may lower eye pressure and reduce stress on the optic nerve.
Potential benefits of SLT include:
- No surgical incisions or stitches
- Minimal discomfort and recovery time
- Reduced reliance on glaucoma drops for some patients
- The possibility of repeating treatment when appropriate
SLT may be considered as an initial treatment for certain patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It may also be used alongside medication or when prescription drops are difficult to manage.
The pressure lowering effect can vary between patients. Therefore, follow up visits are needed to determine whether SLT has achieved the desired result.
Monitoring After MIGS
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS, includes several small incision procedures designed to lower eye pressure. MIGS is often considered for eligible glaucoma patients who are also undergoing cataract surgery.
Depending on the procedure, MIGS may improve natural drainage, create another pathway for fluid, or reduce fluid production. Potential advantages may include a relatively brief recovery and less reliance on medication for some patients.
However, glaucoma monitoring must continue after surgery. MIGS does not cure the disease, and some patients may still require prescription drops or additional treatment.
Patients with more advanced glaucoma may need traditional surgery to achieve the necessary pressure reduction.
Keeping Your Treatment on Track
A successful glaucoma plan may include eye drops, SLT, MIGS, traditional glaucoma surgery, or a combination of approaches. The plan should be adjusted when testing shows that eye pressure is too high or the disease is progressing.
Keeping scheduled follow up appointments gives your ophthalmologist the information needed to protect your optic nerve and preserve your remaining vision. Call us today to book your exam.
