Glaucoma is a condition that results in damage to the optic nerve. This can lead to vision loss and even blindness. It is caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye, which puts stress on the optic nerve. Although glaucoma can occur at any age, it is more common in older adults. There are several different types of glaucoma, each with its own set of symptoms. Glaucoma can be treated with medication or surgery, but it is important to catch it early to prevent vision loss. If you think you might have glaucoma, see your eye doctor for a diagnosis.
Everyone has some risk of glaucoma. It is important for everyone to have routine eye exams to look for the early signs of glaucoma. The risk for glaucoma is increased with these factors:
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss – often without warning or symptoms. Like a cable wire, the optic nerve is responsible for carrying the images we see to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can occur when the pressure within the eye increases, usually due to a build-up of aqueous fluid inside the eye. This leads to the development of blind spots in our field of vision. However, damage may occur without elevation of the intra-ocular pressure. Conversely, the pressure may at times be elevated without damaging the optic nerve. This is a condition known as Ocular Hypertension. Blind spots in the field of vision usually go undetected by the individual until the optic nerve is significantly damaged and a great loss of peripheral or central vision has occurred. A Visual Field evaluation can detect glaucoma damage in its very early stages. If the disease is untreated the optic nerve may be damaged to a point that irreversible blindness will result.
Most people with glaucoma suffer from one of two major types of the disease, “open angle” and “closed angle” glaucoma.
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, treatment is available to save your vision. The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) and stop the optic nerve damage. Several kinds of treatment are available to lower IOP. These include eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery.
Eye drop medications lower IOP by either reducing the amount of fluid entering the eye or increasing the amount of fluid exiting the eye. There are several different kinds of glaucoma medications, and each differs in terms of both its ability to lower IOP and its potential side effects. Laser therapy often is used when medications fail to lower IOP; it is also used for patients who cannot tolerate medications due to side effects. If eye drop medications or laser therapy fail to bring the intraocular pressure down to a safe range, surgery is available to lower this level.
Laser trabeculoplasty is a gentle and non-invasive treatment for glaucoma. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is an advanced type of laser treatment to manage patients with open-angle glaucoma.
Instead of burning tissue as in ALT, SLT selectively stimulates only precise pigmented cells to activate increased fluid drainage. Both SLT and ALT produce comparable drops in IOP; however, SLT does not have the associated damage to other tissues and adverse scarring effects. For this reason, where ALT is limited to one or two treatments, SLT has the potential to be repeated more often. This procedure is a treatment option for most glaucoma patients but is in particular suited to patients who cannot tolerate or are unable to adequately self-administer important glaucoma medications.
SLT is most often performed in the office and only takes about 5 minutes. Prior to the procedure, eye drops will be given to prepare the eye for treatment. The laser applications are made through a microscope, similar to the one used for eye examinations.
Commonly no special post-operative medications are needed and there are no restrictions on activities after treatment. Most patients will have to return for follow up visits to re-check the treated eye. It often takes several weeks for the pressure to be lowered and for the full response of the procedure to be known. Over-the-counter pain medications are fine to use for any discomfort. Unlike some glaucoma medications, there are no incidences of allergy or systemic side effects with SLT. Complications are minor but may include inflammation, temporary increase in IOP, conjunctivitis, or eye pain. For more information about SLT and how it may benefit you, please ask the doctor.
Trabeculectomy is the most common surgical method used to reduce the pressure associated with glaucoma. During the procedure, the surgeon removes a tiny section of the wall of the eye, creating a drain which allows for the outflow of aqueous fluid. Using instruments under an operating microscope, your surgeon creates an opening in the white of your eye (sclera) and removes a small piece of the trabecular meshwork. The aqueous humor can now freely leave the eye through this hole. As a result, your eye pressure will be lowered. The hole is covered by the conjunctiva, so trabeculectomy leaves no open hole in your eye. You will need several follow-up visits and to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to fight infection and scarring of the newly created drainage opening (bleb).
Today, adding another step to your cataract surgery that may allow you to treat your mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma in an entirely new way. The iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent is designed to reduce your eye pressure and you have it done at the same time you have cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, iStent is implanted and creates a lasting opening in the drainage system in the eye. This restores the aqueous outflow mechanism lowers and controls pressure within the eye.
Another type of surgical procedure, called drainage implant surgery, may be an option for people with secondary glaucoma or for children with glaucoma. Also known as “aqueous shunts” or “glaucoma drainage devices, ”we’ll refer to them simply as “implants.”
The idea behind implants is to enhance standard glaucoma surgery by positioning a device that will help keep the surgically-created drainage opening from healing and closing down. Many current implants include a tube through which the aqueous fluid passes. Others are solid and promote the flow of fluid along the surface of the implant. Regardless of type, implants have a common goal – to lower IOP by increasing outflow. Some implants commonly used are “valved” (Ahmed ) and “non-valved” (Molteno, Baerveldt) designs.
A hole or bleb is created similarly to conventionally trabeculectomy surgery. With implant surgery, most of the device is positioned on the outside of the eye under the conjunctiva. A small tube or filament is carefully inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, just in front of the iris (colored part of the eye). The fluid drains through the tube, or along the filament, into the area around the back of the implant where fluid collects. The tube provides a passageway for the movement of this fluid out of the eye and into a place where the capillaries and lymphatic system reabsorb it back into the body.
There is often an inflammatory reaction immediately after surgery. This is commonly associated with variable IOP (often IOP elevation), and usually stabilizes within four to six weeks There is the possibility of IOP being too low. This is known as “hypotony.” Additionally, the implant may interfere with other ocular tissues such as extraocular muscles (muscles that move the eye from side to side) and the cornea. Like most surgeries, those with a smooth uncomplicated surgical course do the best over time.
Our qualified glaucoma doctors will diagnose and properly set a treatment option in place. Call us today for more information on how we can help with the glaucoma eye disease.
The staff and the doctor I saw for my upcoming cataract surgery was fantastic they were polite courteous and answered every question that I had I'm getting my first cataract surgery done next month
I recently saw Claire Purser, OD and Kassidy Campton, contac lens technician at Denver Eye Surgeons. They were both professional, knowledgeable and personable. Took time to answer all questions. The entire staff at the office deserve 5 star ratings.
I want to commend Kayla M. for her care and understanding with patients during check in. She is always cheerful and calm, never rushing anyone. A true professional!
They have taken excellent care of our eyes for years! I am confident they know what they are doing. The appointments are easy to schedule and there are plenty of comfortable chairs to wait for your appointment. The waiting time is brief. We are always satisfied!
Incredible customer service!!! Everyone was engaging, kind, supportive and professional ~all the way from the front desk, visit, exit. Dr Noguchi was excellent- bedside manner, medical intervention, demeanor. He is a world class physician and a classy gentleman. Thank you all for treating me like family
Tania was very nice and personable. She answered all my questions. Very very friendly! Dr. Costin was also very personable and good.
Tania came in to the exam room to perform the pre appointment examination before meeting with Dr. Purser. Tania was very thorough, professional and personable. A very good experience.
I was so impressed by your staff. One person really went out of her way, Tonia. Very helpful and kind. She has great patient care ethics. Great job team.
Everyone was wonderful and explained everything very thoroughly, including billing. Both office staff and doctors were great! I had a past retinal detachment and they treated it very seriously.
Kassidy did a fantastic job fitting me for my contacts. She was very patient and friendly and I am seeing great in my new monovision set up. Thanks Kassidy!
Great experience with Kassidy after cataract surgery for contact lens fitting. She explains everything in layman’s terms that make it easy to understand what I am experiencing very easy to understand. Thank you Kassidy.
Dr Costin was amazing. She is highly professional, very honest, and would recommend her to anyone. In fact, the entire staff was amazing.
Dr Crosby, her Tech and her assistant... First Dr Crosby's tech. I was so pleased with her. She did the exam and front end of my appointment. She was very detailed and thorough, as well as kind. The best I have had in many years of exams. Dr Crosby was new for me after my prior Dr left. Much better manner then the prior Dr. She answered all my questions and was very thorough and kind as well. Her assistant was very helpful, and I suspect the employee who helped me with a lost prescription. To conclude, a happy experience!
Able to see me quickly for an eye infection and staff very friendly including Joanna and Dr Crosby!
Thank you Kassidy for the contact fitting after cataract surgery. I know the second eye will be just as great a fitting!
Chi checked me in before I was seen by the doctor. Chi was very nice, pleasant and very patient with me when setting me up with my exams. Chi is very customer service oriented she’s a keeper in my books.
On the 13th of March 2026 I went in for a problem that had been increasing over time. The doctors assistant was attentive, professional and cheerful. Much appreciated. I was lucky to get Ophthalmologist Jonathan Noguchi, M.D.. He was professional, likeable and was calm during my apprehension. He identified my problem and explained what it was and how he could solve it. This procedure was to remove enflamed and plugged tear ducts and he had to insert a needle in 3 different places on both eyes, and I mean next to the eye to numb these spots. Then he simply removed the inflammation with small scissors. I would recommend this doctor. He was easy to like, knew what he was doing and he got right on it and had me going out the door lickety split..Thanks doc. I look and feel much better!
I went in for an appointment on Friday. I was greeted by Kayla. She is amazing and very helpful and friendly. Thank you for all your help Kayla💯❗
As stressful as eye appointments can be. This place eased all my worries! Samantha G at the front desk is the absolute best. She is patient and worked with me to ensure I was seen and taken care of!!! Thank you to your entire team!!
Chi was very knowledgeable and professional. She should go back to school! Dr. Crosby was amazing as well. I love going to DES and have been going to them for years. Would recommend.
Samantha G was very friendly and accommodating with the Dr's schedule and got me an appointment that was more convenient for me!!
Had a routine eye exam with Dr. Crosby and was seen by Manuel beforehand. Both were great; I would highly recommend this office!
Denver Eye has amazing physicians and staff! Everyone is so attentive and the whole process during the visit was very efficient. I would highly recommend them for your eye care needs.
Dr Purser was great. I've been going here for years, but this is the first time someone went over every part of the eye exam and explained everything that was discovered. Thank you for a breath of fresh air!
I have been a patient here since 2001& have seen doctors & staff come & go. I have been receiving injections for a retina condition since 2012 & about 15 months ago Brent Deibert became my retina specialist. I am very pleased with his professionalism & the care I am receiving. I am an extremely happy patient & I highly recommend Denver Eye Surgeons.
I went in to see Dr Deibert for my injection and from the very first interaction with Cindy, her professionalism, empathy, and commitment to help me was outstanding. She went above and beyond to ensure that I received the support, guidance, and resources needed. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, and the charity demonstrated to me her strong interpersonal and advocacy skills. I knew she cared. In my opinion, what sets her apart from everyone - is the kindness, gentleness, and "REAL" caring. Thank you, Cindy, for making me feel important and showing me that someone does stand up for people like me. and thank you for accepting my hugs of appreciation.
I have been going to Denver Eye surgeons for many years. They have done a great job of taking care of me and I will continue going to Denver Eye. Greg S
Kassidy was especially helpful offering lots of practical solutions for my situation and great options to help me find what works best for me. Very professional.
***UPDATE I received a call from the office manager, Danielle, this morning. She got me taken care of. I was extremely grateful for her help and understanding and for fitting me in with my doctor at a time and date that worked for me. I waited 9 months for an appointment. I got a call a month before it canceling my appointment because my doctor was not going to be in that day. I called to reschedule and they said they would call me back. I got a call the day of my appointment stating I had missed my appointment. I explained what happened and was pretty much told that was not true. I have messages for proof. And my doctor was in that day! My doctor is retiring and now I have to see a new doctor. I come in from out of state to see these doctors because they are the best. Their office people however, are a totally different caliber.
I've been seeing Dr. Tetrault and Dr. Maus for a few years now to treat my glaucoma. It has always been a 5 star experience from the front desk staff and pleasant waiting room to the staff that does my initial intake and testing for the appointment and then the time with the doctors for more testing and discussion of my status. Both doctors are just tremendously upbeat and I believe genuinely concerned about my eye health. They're actually fun to be around and I feel that I'm getting top expert care, treatment and advice. I've dealt with glaucoma for 40 years and due to moving a lot have had many health care systems and doctors. These two are certainly among the very best of all. Recommend them very highly.
I had my recent contact lens exam and Kassidy stood out as down-to-earth, genuinely helpful and knowledgeable. Great experience!
I got my lasik done at D.E.S. about 12 years ago, they did a great job, however my eyes have changed a little due to time so I decided to get them touched up. The price is a great value and I look forward to seeing 20/20 again.
Not only was the procedure explained in detail, but was very friendly outgoing and answered All my questions without rushing me she never made me feel like she was too busy or that I was not important This doctor is a very good doctor I highly recommend her And this office.
Had to have a recheck on my contact prescription and Kassidy was super helpful and got me fixed up. She also suggested some eye drops to help when my vision got a little blurry due to eye dryness. Game changer!
Kassidy helped me to finally get my scleral lenses feeling wonderful! Life changer! I’d been fighting them for a long time, but Kassidy saw the problem and fixed it. I can’t express my gratitude to her. With Keritaconus it’s definitely a challenge and Kassidy definitely deserves a huge thank you!
Denver Eye Surgeons were able to see me on a late Friday afternoon and on short notice. The Doctors and staff were very helpful and professional. I would highly recommend.
Tara technician that worked with Dr. Maus today was excellent ! A great addition to the team. Efficient, competent and very pleasant. Also, Cody at the front desk was very nice and helpful. So sad they aren't the same place since bought out.
I recently visited Denver Eye Surgeons for my annual eye exam, and I was very impressed with how smoothly everything went. From the moment I walked in, the staff was friendly, professional, and efficient. The entire office was spotless and well-organized, which immediately made me feel comfortable and confident in their care. The waiting area was clean and bright, and I barely had time to sit down before being called back—everything moved faster than usual, which was a pleasant surprise! The technician who performed the initial tests was kind, patient, and explained each step clearly. When I met with the doctor, they took the time to answer all my questions and went over my results in detail without making me feel rushed. I really appreciated how thorough and attentive they were while still keeping the appointment on schedule. It’s always nice to visit a medical office where you can tell they value your time as much as your health. My entire experience felt efficient, professional, and caring from start to finish. I highly recommend Denver Eye Surgeons to anyone looking for a trustworthy, well-run, and clean eye care facility. I left feeling confident in my vision care and grateful for their excellent service.
The technician, Chi Vu was extraordinarily professional, knowledgeable and pleasant. She explained every procedure, articulating in precise terms their purpose and significance. Her demeanor was absolutely top notch! Dr Sarah Crosby was equally delightful in every aspect of the visit. She spoke in a way that was completely understandable and positively comforting. I recommend both of these "vision experts" most highly and am grateful for the care they provided. Thank you and may God continue to bless you both in your profession 🙏
Todd maus is an extremely bright knowledgeable and compassionate surgeon. It is extremely difficult to find that many qualities and any one doctor
My annual checkup was smooth and without any issues. Easy to park with direct access to the office. An extremely short wait before I was called up to check-in. Again a very short wait until I was called in for my exam. All staff were polite, friendly and thorough. All questions were addressed and I left very satisfied. D.J.
Beyond excellent, I couldn’t have asked for a better facility or better people to help me They are truly a blessing
These folks are great. Dr. Deibert has been amazing. I had a detached retina, and he dropped everything to get me into surgery the same day. Everything went well, excellent followup, great folks overall. Can't be more positive about the service here.
