Will my vision improve if I get Glaucoma laser surgery?!


Question: Will my vision improve if I get Glaucoma laser surgery?
I've had Glaucoma (I'm not sure exactly which type) since I was 3. It's hereditary. I've seen opthamologists since I was born, because I was born with Cataracts (which were removed when I was 6 months).
After the Cataracts were removed, I wore contacts, until I was 3, when the Glaucoma developed. Ever since then (I am 17 now) I've worn thick glasses because of my vision. I hate them, I've been teased and made-fun of; kids at school have put me through hell with their cruel jokes and put-downs because they do not understand anything about my condition. I've led a really sad life because of Glaucoma.
I went to a low-vision clinic about 2 months ago and the lady told me that I will be able to drive; the problem is that my parent's don't believe in me. The think I can't do it because of my vision. It makes me feel so sad and like a failure. I can't get a job because no one can drive me. All I want is better vision.
I've heard rumors that laser surgery supposedly improves vision. I don't know if it is true or not. I really hope someone sees this question because I desperately want to know if something can be done about my vision. I don't care if I still have to wear glasses, I just want to see better than I do now (not that I see very well). I don't know what to do anymore; I am sick and tired of people looking down on me because of this. Aside from the Glaucoma and my thick glasses, I am exactly the same as each and every one of my peers. What hurts the most is that some people treat me as if I were mentally retarded (no offense to people who are). I don't behave in such a way that should make them THINK I am. I don't understand why the judge me as less intelligent because of my physical appearance.
I am getting WAY off topic here. I apologize. All I want to know is, if laser surgery is performed on me, will I see better?

Answers:

Probably not. It's not laser refractive surgery that you'd be having (which does improve people's vision without glasses); depending on what type of glaucoma, it's probably either LPI (laser peripheral iridotomy) or SLT (laser trabeculoplasty). These help your eye deal with the aqueous humor better in order to prevent further damage to the optic nerve, and hence protect the vision you have, but it doesn't make things better.
Is there any reason you can't wear contacts anymore? The way you've written your question above makes it sound like you haven't since you were 3 years old. In terms of driving, I'd say the low vision specialist has a much better handle on whether or not you'd be safe than me, you, or your parents do; if they say you'll be good to go, then trust it.
Good luck! If you want some reading to understand things further, look up deprivation amblyopia (which might be part of your problem, given the cataracts), and congenital glaucoma (which you don't technically have, but probably better describes your visual abilities and future prognosis etc), as well as refractive error (which, I'm guessing, is part of the reason you wear glasses, and should illustrate the difference between uncorrected vision and best-corrected vision.)

I'm an optometrist.



Having the Glaucoma laser will not improve your vision. It WILL help save what you have left though.



If the low vision clinic people said you could drive, then your vision is good enough to meet the legal requiremens for driving. Ask your parents to let you get your beginner's licence and take driving lessons.

If you don't like the thick glasses, ask your eye doctor if you can wear contact lenses again.

The laser surgery that substitutes for glasses will likely not work for the high prescription following cataract surgery and is not recommended for people with glaucoma. The laser surgery that treats glaucoma will not change your need for glasses.

I'm an optometrist




The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories