Glaucoma Surgeries and Treatments in Cancun, Mexico | ENFOCA

At ENFOCA Advanced Ophthalmology in Cancun, Mexico, we offer a specialized approach to the diagnosis and interventional treatment of glaucoma. Our treatment options include different surgical procedures, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, drainage implants, and advanced laser treatments.

The choice of procedure depends on the type and stage of glaucoma, target intraocular pressure, degree of optic nerve damage, angle anatomy, previous eye surgeries, and the individual characteristics of each patient.

Ab Interno Goniotomy

Ab Interno Goniotomy is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery performed from inside the eye to improve the outflow of aqueous humor through the eye’s natural drainage pathway.

It can be performed as a standalone procedure or, in selected patients, combined with cataract surgery. Its goal is to help lower intraocular pressure and, depending on the clinical response, potentially reduce dependence on glaucoma medications.

Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy (NPDS)

Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy (NPDS) is a filtering glaucoma surgery designed to facilitate the drainage of aqueous humor and reduce intraocular pressure without creating a full-thickness opening into the anterior chamber.

This technique may be considered for patients who require more significant surgical control of their eye pressure. The indication depends on the type of glaucoma, ocular anatomy, and individual therapeutic goals.

PRESERFLO MicroShunt Implant

The PRESERFLO MicroShunt is a glaucoma drainage device designed to create a controlled pathway for aqueous humor to flow into the subconjunctival space, helping to reduce intraocular pressure.

It may be an option for selected glaucoma patients who require sustained surgical control of intraocular pressure. A specialized glaucoma evaluation is performed before surgery to determine whether the patient is an appropriate candidate.

Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implant

The Ahmed Glaucoma Valve is a drainage device used to help control intraocular pressure in selected glaucoma cases, particularly when a surgical drainage strategy is required.

The implant directs aqueous humor toward a drainage plate positioned outside the eye. Its indication depends on the type of glaucoma, previous surgical history, and the individual clinical characteristics of the patient.

SubCyclo Laser or Micropulse Cyclophotocoagulation

SubCyclo micropulse laser treatment targets the ciliary body with the goal of helping to reduce aqueous humor production and lower intraocular pressure.

Unlike continuous-wave cyclodestructive treatments, micropulse technology delivers laser energy in controlled cycles with alternating treatment and rest periods. It may be considered in different clinical scenarios depending on the type of glaucoma and previous intraocular pressure control.

Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC)

Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) is a laser procedure directed at the ciliary body to reduce aqueous humor production and help control intraocular pressure.

It may be recommended in selected glaucoma cases that require greater pressure reduction, particularly when previous treatments have not achieved the target intraocular pressure or when the glaucoma specialist determines that this approach offers an appropriate balance of potential benefits and risks.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser procedure that targets the trabecular meshwork, one of the primary structures responsible for aqueous humor drainage.

Its goal is to improve fluid drainage and reduce intraocular pressure. SLT may be considered for selected patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, based on a specialized ophthalmic evaluation.

YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy creates a small opening in the peripheral iris to facilitate the flow of aqueous humor between the chambers of the eye.

It is primarily used in patients with narrow angles, angle closure, or a risk of angle closure. The procedure is recommended after a specialized evaluation of the anterior chamber angle and ocular anatomy.

Argon Laser Iridoplasty

Argon Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty uses controlled laser applications on the peripheral iris to modify its configuration and help widen the anterior chamber angle in selected cases.

It may be used as part of the management of specific anatomical angle configurations. The indication is determined after a comprehensive glaucoma and anterior segment evaluation.

Combined Cataract and Glaucoma Surgery

For patients who have both cataracts and glaucoma, ENFOCA may consider a combined surgical approach. Depending on the individual case, cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation may be combined with a glaucoma procedure to help improve intraocular pressure control.

The surgical strategy is personalized according to the patient’s intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications, degree of optic nerve damage, stage of glaucoma, and individual visual needs.

Specialized Evaluation for Glaucoma Surgery

Before selecting a glaucoma surgery or laser treatment, we perform an individualized evaluation that may include intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy, optic nerve OCT, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis, visual field testing, and other diagnostic studies according to the patient’s clinical characteristics.

At ENFOCA Advanced Ophthalmology, we offer personalized options for glaucoma surgery in Cancun, Mexico, ranging from minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and filtering procedures to glaucoma drainage devices and advanced laser treatments for local and international patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma Surgery in Cancun, Mexico

What is glaucoma surgery?

Glaucoma surgery includes different surgical and laser procedures designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduce the risk of further optic nerve damage. Depending on the type and stage of glaucoma, treatment may include minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), filtering surgery, glaucoma drainage implants, or laser procedures.

At ENFOCA Advanced Ophthalmology in Cancun, Mexico, each treatment plan is selected according to the patient’s diagnosis, target eye pressure, optic nerve damage, angle anatomy, previous surgeries, and individual clinical needs.

When is glaucoma surgery necessary?

Glaucoma surgery may be considered when eye drops or laser treatments do not adequately control intraocular pressure, when glaucoma continues to progress, or when the specialist determines that earlier surgical intervention may provide better pressure control.

The decision is based on several factors, including intraocular pressure, visual field changes, optic nerve OCT findings, RNFL analysis, and the type and severity of glaucoma.

Can glaucoma surgery restore lost vision?

Glaucoma surgery is primarily performed to lower eye pressure and help preserve remaining vision. Vision already lost because of permanent optic nerve damage generally cannot be restored.

For this reason, early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and timely treatment are important to reduce the risk of further glaucoma progression.

What types of glaucoma surgery are available at ENFOCA in Cancun?

ENFOCA Advanced Ophthalmology offers different surgical and laser options for glaucoma, including Ab Interno Goniotomy, Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy (NPDS), PRESERFLO MicroShunt implantation, Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, Argon Laser Iridoplasty, SubCyclo micropulse laser treatment, and Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC).

The appropriate treatment is determined after a comprehensive glaucoma evaluation.

What is minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)?

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) refers to surgical techniques designed to lower intraocular pressure through smaller incisions and targeted approaches to the eye’s drainage system.

At ENFOCA, Ab Interno Goniotomy may be considered for selected patients and can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with cataract surgery.

Can cataract and glaucoma surgery be performed at the same time?

Yes. In selected patients with both cataracts and glaucoma, cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation may be combined with a glaucoma procedure.

The surgical plan depends on the stage of glaucoma, target intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications, angle anatomy, and the patient’s individual visual needs.

What is the PRESERFLO MicroShunt?

The PRESERFLO MicroShunt is a glaucoma drainage device designed to create a controlled pathway for aqueous humor to drain from the eye into the subconjunctival space.

It may be considered for selected patients who require sustained reduction of intraocular pressure. A complete glaucoma evaluation is necessary to determine candidacy.

What is an Ahmed Glaucoma Valve?

The Ahmed Glaucoma Valve is a drainage implant used to help control intraocular pressure in selected cases of glaucoma. The device redirects aqueous humor toward a drainage plate positioned outside the eye.

It may be considered in complex or advanced glaucoma cases, depending on previous surgeries, glaucoma type, eye anatomy, and the target intraocular pressure.

What is SLT laser treatment for glaucoma?

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser treatment that targets the trabecular meshwork, one of the eye’s natural drainage structures. The goal is to improve aqueous humor drainage and lower intraocular pressure.

SLT may be an option for selected patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

What is SubCyclo or micropulse laser treatment for glaucoma?

SubCyclo micropulse laser treatment applies controlled laser energy to the ciliary body to help reduce intraocular pressure.

The energy is delivered in a micropulse pattern with alternating treatment and rest periods. The suitability of this procedure depends on the patient’s type of glaucoma, previous treatments, and target eye pressure.

What is Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC)?

Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) is a laser procedure that targets the ciliary body to reduce aqueous humor production and help lower intraocular pressure.

It may be recommended for selected patients who require additional pressure reduction or when previous treatments have not achieved adequate glaucoma control.

What is YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy?

YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy creates a small opening in the peripheral iris to improve the movement of aqueous humor between the chambers of the eye.

It is commonly considered for patients with narrow angles, angle closure, or risk of angle-closure glaucoma.

How do I know which glaucoma surgery is right for me?

There is no single glaucoma surgery that is appropriate for every patient. The best treatment depends on the type of glaucoma, disease severity, target intraocular pressure, optic nerve condition, visual field results, angle anatomy, previous surgeries, and response to medications.

A specialized glaucoma evaluation is necessary before recommending a surgical or laser procedure.

What tests are needed before glaucoma surgery?

A glaucoma evaluation may include intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy, optic nerve OCT, RNFL analysis, visual field testing, and additional studies according to the patient’s condition.

These tests help determine the stage of glaucoma, evaluate progression, and select the most appropriate treatment strategy.

How long is recovery after glaucoma surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure performed and the individual characteristics of the patient. Laser procedures, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, filtering surgery, and drainage implants have different postoperative care and recovery timelines.

Patients require scheduled postoperative examinations to monitor intraocular pressure, healing, and response to treatment.

Will I still need glaucoma eye drops after surgery?

Some patients may be able to reduce the number of glaucoma medications after surgery, while others may continue to require one or more eye drops.

The response varies according to the procedure, glaucoma severity, target intraocular pressure, and individual healing response. Medication changes should only be made under the supervision of the treating ophthalmologist.

Is glaucoma surgery available for international patients in Cancun?

Yes. ENFOCA Advanced Ophthalmology in Cancun, Mexico, provides specialized glaucoma evaluation and surgical treatment options for local and international patients.

The treatment process may include review of previous medical records, specialized diagnostic testing, surgical planning, treatment, and postoperative follow-up according to the individual case.