Depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma, surgical treatment may be the best option. During your consultation, our glaucoma surgeon will provide a full evaluation and may recommend one of the following surgical treatments.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT is used in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Using a laser, our glaucoma specialist creates small burns adjacent to the drainage angle to open the angle further and reduce eye pressure. This works in about 80% of patients, but may lose its effectiveness over time. Fortunately, SLT may be repeated if needed. The procedure takes about a minute and can be performed in any of our Pennsylvania and New Jersey offices.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

A LPI is performed on patients who have narrow angles, closed-angle glaucoma, or pigmentary glaucoma. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small hole in the iris (the colored part of the eye) to reestablish normal drainage angle configuration.

Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation (ECP)

In ECP, a camera is placed in the patient’s eye to identify the part of the eye that produces fluid (ciliary body). Our surgeon then uses a laser to shrink this tissue in order to reduce pressure. ECP is usually performed at the time of cataract surgery.

Trabeculectomy

This procedure is performed on patients who have not seen results from eye drops and initial laser surgery. When performing a Trabeculectomy, Dr. Zacchei creates a new drain in the eye to reduce pressure.

Shunt Procedures

During a shunt procedure, such as a Baerveldt or Ahmed Implant, our surgeon places a small, plastic tube into the eye to relieve the pressure more permanently. This is an excellent option for neovascular glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma, or when other treatments have not been effective.