Glaucoma refers to a group of different eye diseases which in most cases produce increased pressure within the eye. This elevated pressure is caused by a backup of fluid in the eye. Over time, it causes damage to the optic nerve. Through early detection, diagnosis and treatment, you and your doctor can help to preserve your vision.
Think of your eye as a sink, in which the faucet is always running and the drain is always open. The aqueous humor is constantly circulating through the anterior chamber. It is produced by a tiny gland, called the ciliary body, situated behind the iris. It flows between the iris and the lens and, after nourishing the cornea and lens, flows out through a very tiny spongy tissue, only one-fiftieth of an inch wide, called the trabecular meshwork, which serves as the drain of the eye.
The trabecular meshwork is situated in the angle where the iris and cornea meet. When this drain becomes clogged, aqueous can not leave the eye as fast as it is produced, causing the fluid to back up. But since the eye is a closed compartment, your `sink´ doesn´t overflow; instead the backed up fluid causes increased pressure to build up within the eye. We call this open (wide) angle glaucoma.
My Concerns
I was very happy to hear that this surgery gave me a chance to get rid of my glasses but I wanted to know my chances for success. Once I found out that 98% of all lasik patients see 20/20 or better I decided that This would work for me.
The Exam
Once I scheduled my exam I was a bit nervous about whether I would be a candidate. Once I had made my decision I would have been angry if I did not qualify. After speaking with the doctors they determined I was an excellent candidate for the procedure due to my nearsightedness.
Day of Surgery
I was nervous on the surgery day and I guess this is normal. I was concerned about the metal device holding my lids back but it did not hurt at all. I really felt nothing but just saw some red and green light masses that were blurry.
The Procedure
My procedure went great and I am happy to say that I was better than 20/20 in both eyes 1 day after surgery. My vision was a bit cloudy from all of the drops after surgery but this was reduced the next morning when I awoke to find a very clear and defined apartment. At my 1 day visit I could see leaves on the trees in a very detailed fashion. Almost like I had never seen it before.
After Surgery
My vision has been excellent after surgery. I have no complaints only a great thanks to the wonderful doctors at Anderson & Shapiro Eye Care who gave me the vision correction procedure of a lifetime.