Advances in laser (LAYzer) technology have made it possible for ophthalmologists (off-thal MAL-oh-jists) to use a laser beam in treating a number of eye diseases, one of which is glaucoma (glah-KOME-ah). Laser surgery is primarily used when medical therapy is not effective in controlling intraocular pressure, or when a sudden rise in pressure from eye fluid called aqueous (Akwee-yus) humor threatens vision and must be lowered immediately. The procedure is performed with the argon (AR-gon) laser, which is a high-powered laser that uses a concentrated, focused beam of light to form an opening in the iris (I-ris) so that the fluid can drain.

Excess pressure has the effect of squeezing blood vessels in the eye, resulting in an inadequate supply of blood to the optic nerve. Untreated, the field of vision narrows to what is known as ‘tunnel’ vision, and can eventually destroy central vision as well, resulting in total blindness. Laser surgery takes only a few minutes to perform, however, it cannot restore vision that has already been lost.

If you have chronic glaucoma and are under a physician’s treatment, follow doctor’s orders to the letter and have your pressure checked regularly. And know the warning signs of an acute glaucoma attack, which causes a sudden rise in pressure. They include: sudden, severe eye pain and headaches; redness; blurred or diminished vision; halos around lights; hardened eyeball; vomiting; dilated (DY-lated) pupil; swollen upper lid and vomiting. Glaucoma is a serious disease that shouldn’t be ignored – your vision could be at stake. For more information, consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist in your area.