Hearing that you may need a laser treatment or surgery for glaucoma can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone, and today’s therapies offer more ways than ever to protect your vision.

Your doctor will recommend the treatment that best matches your type of glaucoma, eye pressure, and overall eye health. While no procedure can restore vision already lost, the goal is simple and powerful: protect the sight you still have so you can stay independent and active.*

Laser Treatments for Glaucoma

For many people, laser treatment is the first step, especially for primary open-angle glaucoma. The most common approach is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).

How SLT Works

SLT uses a gentle laser to treat your eye’s natural drainage tissue (the trabecular meshwork). Improving drainage helps lower eye pressure and protect your optic nerve.

What to Expect

• Usually done in your doctor’s office
• Quick procedure (often just minutes)
• Little to no downtime
• Many people return to normal activities right away

SLT is also a good starting point if more treatment is needed later.

Incisional Glaucoma Surgeries

If laser treatment and eye drops aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend incisional surgery. These procedures create a new pathway for fluid to drain, lowering eye pressure more effectively.

Trabeculectomy

Often considered the “gold standard,” this surgery creates a small opening in the white part of the eye so fluid can drain into a protected area called a bleb, usually under the eyelid.

You may receive special medications during surgery to reduce scarring and help the new drainage pathway stay open.

Recovery:

• Takes several weeks
• Requires regular follow-up visits
• Very effective at lowering pressure long-term

Aqueous Shunt (Tube) Surgery

Instead of creating a new drainage opening, this procedure places a tiny tube (also called a shunt) in the eye to help fluid exit safely.

Good to know:

• Recovery is similar to trabeculectomy
• A useful alternative for patients who may not be ideal candidates for traditional surgery
• Often chosen when other treatments have failed or in more complex glaucoma cases

Both surgeries may sound intimidating, but for many patients they offer the best chance of long-term pressure control.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

MIGS procedures are newer, less invasive options designed to improve drainage through the eye’s natural pathways using very small instruments or stents.

Pros

• Faster recovery
• Less risk than traditional surgeries
• Often done at the same time as cataract surgery

Limitations

• MIGS usually does not lower eye pressure as much as trabeculectomy or shunt surgery
• Not always sufficient for patients who need very low pressures to protect the optic nerve

For many people, MIGS strikes a helpful balance between safety and effectiveness.

Understanding the Cost of Glaucoma Treatments

Worrying about costs is completely understandable. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you plan ahead.

Laser Treatment Costs

• Typically $1,000–$2,000
• Often covered by insurance and Medicare

Surgery Costs

• Traditional trabeculectomy: about $4,200
• Tube shunts or microshunt surgeries: $5,000–$6,300+
• Additional costs may include anesthesia and facility fees

The good news: Most medically necessary glaucoma surgeries are covered by insurance or Medicare, meaning you may only owe deductibles, copays, or facility charges. Your doctor’s office can help estimate your out-of-pocket cost.

Eye Drop Costs

Prescription drops range widely:

• $20–$300+ per month, depending on brand/generic status
• Insurance and generics often reduce costs significantly
• Many patients qualify for manufacturer or pharmacy assistance programs

If cost ever becomes a barrier, your doctor can help you find lower-cost alternatives.

Living With Glaucoma: You Have Options and Support

Facing treatment decisions for glaucoma can feel intimidating, but the most important thing to remember is this:

You have multiple effective tools to protect your vision — and your doctor will help guide the way.

Laser therapy, MIGS, traditional surgeries, and medication are all part of a modern, flexible toolbox designed to help you maintain your independence and quality of life.

With regular follow-up, the right treatment plan, and support from your care team, most people with glaucoma continue to live full, active lives.

If you have questions about which option may be right for you, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor; your comfort and understanding matter.

* Glaucoma Research Foundation (October 23, 2025). “Glaucoma Treatments, Surgeries, and Costs”. glaucoma.org

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