Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma is a disease that causes buildup of fluid inside your eye. This buildup can happen because of a block in the outflow pathway, where fluid normally drains out of the eye to maintain normal pressure. The blockage results in an increase in pressure, which damages the optic nerve.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness around the world, so it is important to understand its significance and treatment options. While glaucoma is not curable, there are several treatments that will help control the disease including medication and/or surgery.

Dr. Sanan or Dr. Tavares will discuss your options and recommend what is best for your, such as one or more of the following treatments:

• Goniotomy
• Laser surgery (SLT)
• Prescription eye drops
• Glaucoma implant surgery (i-Stent)

A goniotomy is an implant-free procedure in which your eye doctor removes diseased tissue that blocks fluid from flowing out of the eye. Goniotomy procedures have been safely performed for decades in both adults and children.

The i-Stent injection implant is performed during cataract-surgery and it creates two bypasses, or openings, between the front part of your eye and its natural drainage pathway, restoring your eye's natural ability to drain fluid.

Every insurance plan is different. It is the patient's responsibility to research what their insurance will or will not cover.

We highly encourage each patient to call their insurance company and inquire on cost prior to surgery. The patient should find out if their insurance will need a prior authorization, if their specific insurance will cover for anesthesia and if their insurance will cover the procedure or not. The phone number for your insurance company will be on your insurance card.

Our surgery scheduler can help you with locating your procedure code (CPT code) to give your insurance company to find out that information accordingly.