My wife has had glaucoma for the past 15 years. We traveled a significant distance when we lived in the northeast to be followed by a Cleveland Clinic physician who specialized in glaucoma treatment. When we relocated to The Villages the Cleveland Clinic physician referred us to an equally qualified physician. Prior to being seen by both of these physicians a "generalist" pushed her to have laser surgery. We did not and have learned from the specialists that this surgery is effective, but can only be performed once or twice in a life time. We have pursued a course of conservative treatment. By the end of this year my wife will have laser surgery for cataracts caused by the glaucoma. This is a much different treatment than for the glaucoma. If you have the glaucoma laser surgery it is very effective. However, it cannot be performed numerous times in a life time so we have decided to hold off as long as the eye drops will control the pressures. We use three strong eye drop prescriptions each day. Costly, but so far effective.
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