Glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight” and for good reason. It can progress slowly, without symptoms, making it hard to catch until permanent damage has occurred. However, with early diagnosis and expert care, vision loss can often be slowed or prevented.
At Chu Eye Institute, we offer advanced, minimally invasive treatment options to help manage glaucoma and protect your long-term vision. Our team focuses on early intervention and proven solutions, including in-office laser procedures like SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) and LPI (Laser Peripheral Iridotomy).
Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed or referred for surgical consultation, we work closely with your optometrist to ensure coordinated care that prioritizes your safety, comfort, and clarity every step of the way.
Glaucoma is a family of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve which is the part of the eye responsible for sending visual information to your brain. This damage is often caused by a buildup of pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). If left untreated, that pressure can gradually reduce your field of vision and lead to permanent vision loss.
What makes glaucoma especially tricky is that it usually develops without symptoms in its early stages. You won’t feel pain, and your vision may initially seem normal. Most people only learn they have glaucoma during a routine eye exam, which is why regular monitoring is so important, especially as we age.
There are several types of glaucoma, each affecting the eye a little differently.
No matter the type, our goal is to keep your eye pressure stable, preserve your sight, and make treatment as simple and effective as possible.
We focus on safe, effective treatment options that help lower eye pressure and protect your vision, without jumping to invasive surgery. Our approach is conservative and individualized, meaning we recommend procedures only when they’re truly needed.
For many patients, laser therapy is a highly effective next step when eye drops are no longer enough, or when you’re looking for a more sustainable alternative to daily medication.
SLT is a laser procedure that helps improve how fluid drains from the eye, reducing pressure. It’s quick, virtually painless, and can be repeated if needed. For many patients with open-angle glaucoma, SLT is an excellent way to lower pressure without adding more medications.
Similar to SLT, ALT also uses laser energy to enhance the eye’s natural drainage system. It may be recommended for certain cases of open-angle glaucoma, particularly when SLT isn’t appropriate or hasn’t provided sufficient results.
LPI is typically used to treat angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma. It creates a tiny opening in the iris to help fluid flow more freely and prevent pressure spikes. This is a preventive treatment for patients at risk of sudden, dangerous increases in eye pressure.
Managing glaucoma is a lifelong process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Chu Eye Institute, we’re here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported from your very first visit.
During your first appointment, we’ll perform tests to assess your eye pressure, evaluate your optic nerve, and determine how well your eyes are draining fluid. We’ll also review your medical history and any past treatments.
Based on your results, Dr. Richard Chu will recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs and risk factors. If laser therapy is appropriate, we’ll walk you through what to expect, how it works, and how we’ll follow up to track your progress.
Glaucoma is a condition that requires regular monitoring, even after treatment. We’ll schedule follow-ups to measure your eye pressure, adjust medications if needed, and ensure your optic nerve remains healthy. We also work closely with your referring optometrist to ensure a seamless care experience.
Are you looking to refer a patient for glaucoma treatment? We offer minimally invasive laser procedures and care that supports your relationship with your patient.
We manage various eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and ocular hypertension, focused on protecting your vision long term.
Glaucoma may not have a cure, but with early treatment and expert care, it can be managed, and your vision can be protected. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your options or connect with our team if your optometrist has referred you.
