Glaucoma can silently destroy your sight and independence if left untreated. At Eye MDs of Inland, Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser, our fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, offer advanced, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (migs) in Upland to preserve your vision and help you enjoy life with lasting clarity.
Glaucoma Surgery
Lower Eye Pressure and Protect Your Sight
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, typically caused by elevated intraocular pressure. Over time, it can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness if not properly managed. Medications and minimally invasive laser treatments are often started first to treat glaucoma. When medications or laser treatments no longer control intraocular pressure, glaucoma surgery can become necessary. Dr. Shomer and Dr. Gunzenhauser offer procedures in Upland like minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), valve implants, and trabeculectomy to help improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure, helping you preserve your remaining vision and prevent further damage.
What is Our Vision for Your Glaucoma Care?
Inside your eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor continually flows through and drains to maintain healthy pressure. When this drainage system becomes blocked or inefficient, pressure builds up and damages the optic nerve, the structure responsible for transmitting visual signals to your brain. This condition is known as glaucoma, and it is the leading cause of preventable blindness.
Glaucoma care is initiated to reduce intraocular pressure, protect the optic nerve, and preserve your vision. It can help relieve symptoms such as:
- Blurred or patchy vision in one or both eyes
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Eye pain or pressure sensation
- Halos around lights, especially at night
- Headaches or discomfort related to eye strain
Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery
Effective Pressure Reduction
Glaucoma treatments can improve fluid outflow, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. This helps protect the optic nerve from ongoing damage, preventing irreversible vision loss and preserving your sight..
Long-term Vision Preservation
By restoring proper fluid balance within the eye, glaucoma treatments help stabilize disease progression and preserve remaining vision for years to come. You receive highly precise, individualized treatment to safeguard your visual field and prevent future deterioration.
Reduced Dependency on Medications
Many patients find they need fewer glaucoma drops after surgery, making long-term care more convenient. This minimizes side effects associated with ongoing medication use and provides more stable blood pressure control to help you maintain consistent results.
Your Glaucoma Surgery Options
Your glaucoma treatment in Upland is carefully tailored to your unique diagnosis, eye anatomy, and lifestyle. Dr. Shomer and Dr. Gunzenhauser provide expert, compassionate care to help you restore and preserve clear vision. Every treatment plan is carefully created with precision using advanced technology and years of surgical expertise. You’ll receive clear explanations at every step, ensuring you leave your visit feeling informed and confident about your care.
Your Surgery Options
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS procedures use microsurgical techniques to enhance your natural drainage system. Through a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea, Dr. Gunzenhauser inserts a small device or creates a micro-bypass to allow fluid to flow more freely. This reduces pressure with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Often combined with cataract surgery, MIGS involves minimal recovery and offers long-term protection of your optic nerve and vision.
Trabeculectomy
Trabeculectomy involves creating a new channel for the fluid to leave the eye when natural drainage is severely impaired. Dr. Gunzenhauser carefully forms a small flap in the sclera (white of the eye) and removes a tiny portion of tissue to allow fluid to drain beneath the conjunctiva. This forms a “bleb,” which regulates pressure naturally. Trabeculectomy is highly effective for moderate to advanced glaucoma cases requiring significant pressure reduction.
Glaucoma Valve Implants
In advanced or complex glaucoma cases, Dr. Gunzenhauser may recommend placing a tiny drainage valve to help control intraocular pressure. This soft, flexible device is placed beneath the conjunctiva and connected to a small tube that redirects fluid from inside the eye to an external reservoir. The valve automatically regulates flow, preventing pressure from rising too high or dropping too low, and provides long-term stability for advanced glaucoma management.
Preserve Your Vision for Life
Eye MDs of Inland is led by Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser, a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist. Both are UCLA-trained, board-certified ophthalmologists who provide advanced surgical options, including MIGS to valve implants, to help you preserve your vision. Their compassionate approach to eye care ensures you feel informed and confident through every stage of your glaucoma management plan. Schedule your consultation for glaucoma treatment in Upland, CA, and preserve your eyesight for life.
