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Glaucoma Treatment in Cancun
At ENFOCA Advanced Ophthalmology, we offer comprehensive diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of glaucoma in Cancún, with options ranging from early detection and medical management to laser procedures and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Dr. Mario Riquelme, a subspecialist in glaucoma and the anterior segment who trained at Barzilai University Hospital in Israel, provides highly specialized care to preserve vision, control intraocular pressure, and offer personalized treatments using state-of-the-art technology.
What is glaucoma surgery like?
All glaucoma treatment techniques are typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning the eyeball is anesthetized. This means the patient is awake and conscious at all times, but does not experience any pain during glaucoma surgery. The anesthesiologist also provides sedatives to keep the patient calm.
Seeing the world clearly is not just a privilege, it is a new way of living.
Glaucoma Surgery in Cancún: MIGS Procedures and Advanced Techniques
At Enfoca, we perform minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures, as well as other advanced surgical techniques for the treatment of glaucoma. Among the available options are microimplants and next-generation procedures such as the Preserflo microshunt implant, the iStent/iStent Inject device, transscleral micropulsation, and cycloablation (continuous pulse), which are recommended based on the type and stage of the disease.
After a comprehensive evaluation, our specialist selects the most appropriate treatment for each patient with the goal of reducing intraocular pressure, preserving the optic nerve, and lowering the risk of vision loss.
Glaucoma surgeries
Argon Laser Iridoplasty
Laser procedure that reshapes the iris to improve aqueous humor drainage, used in cases of angle closure or alterations in the structure of the iris.SLT Laser (Selective Trabeculoplasty)
Laser treatment that stimulates trabecular cells to improve aqueous humor drainage without damaging tissue, recommended for patients with open-angle glaucoma.YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy
A small opening in the iris made with a YAG laser to allow the flow of aqueous humor and prevent angle-closure glaucoma or high eye pressure attacks.
Goniotomy (Ab Interno)
Minimally invasive procedure for treating glaucoma, in which the drainage angle of the eye is opened to improve the flow of aqueous humor and reduce intraocular pressure.SubCyclo Laser (Micropulsed)
Micropulse laser treatment that acts on the ciliary body to reduce aqueous humor production, indicated for controlling eye pressure in advanced glaucoma.Cycloablation (Continuous Pulse)
Continuous pulse laser procedure that destroys part of the ciliary body to reduce aqueous humor production and lower intraocular pressure, used in glaucoma resistant to other treatments.iStent and iStent Inject Devices
These are small implants used to treat glaucoma. They are inserted during surgery to improve the eye’s natural drainage and lower intraocular pressure. The iStent inject uses two microimplants instead of one, which allows for better pressure control and, in many cases, reduces the need for glaucoma eye drops.
- Surgery with Preserflo Implant
Minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a microtube is placed to improve aqueous humor drainage and control intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.
- Deep Non-Penetrating Sclerotomy (NPDS)
Filtering surgery creates a drainage pathway without completely perforating the eye, allowing controlled drainage of aqueous humor and reducing eye pressure with a lower risk of complications. Ahmed Valve Placement
Drainage implant that regulates the outflow of aqueous humor and helps reduce intraocular pressure in cases of advanced glaucoma or glaucoma refractory to other treatments.
How is glaucoma diagnosed and monitored over the long term?
The diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma require a comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation and specialized tests to detect changes in the optic nerve before vision loss progresses. At Enfoca, we use technologies such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), which measures the thickness of the optic nerve fibers, and perimetry (visual field testing), which assesses peripheral vision and helps identify damage caused by the disease. We also measure intraocular pressure and assess the drainage angle when necessary. These tests are repeated periodically to monitor the progression of glaucoma, evaluate response to treatment, and make timely adjustments to preserve vision in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glaucoma is progressive damage to the optic nerve, usually caused by elevated intraocular pressure, and is often asymptomatic in its early stages. A glaucoma specialist—a subspecialist in glaucoma—has specific training in the most advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques, which a general ophthalmologist does not necessarily master. The risk increases after age 40, in people with diabetes, migraines, or a family history of glaucoma. Without treatment, damage to the optic nerve is irreversible—hence the importance of early diagnosis.
No, but it can be managed. The damage already done to the optic nerve is irreversible, but with proper treatment (eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery), the progression can be stopped or significantly slowed.
It is the pressure of the fluid inside the eye. It is the main modifiable risk factor for progressive damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma, which is why it is measured and monitored regularly.
Having relatives with glaucoma significantly increases your risk. If you have relatives with glaucoma, a comprehensive eye exam that includes pupil dilation, intraocular pressure measurement, and optic nerve evaluation (OCT) is recommended, especially if you are over 40 years old. Hereditary glaucoma is often asymptomatic until advanced stages, so early detection is the best form of prevention. Enfoca offers specialized evaluations for patients with a family history of glaucoma, helping to detect the disease in its early stages and provide appropriate follow-up care.
No. MIGS procedures are performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, with a significantly faster recovery time than traditional filtration surgery (trabeculectomy).
Laser treatment (SLT, SubCyclo, YAG iridotomy) is usually the first, less invasive step. Surgery (MIGS or trabeculectomy) is indicated when laser treatment or eye drops fail to adequately control intraocular pressure.
Yes. When a patient has both conditions and the case allows it, MIGS or traditional techniques can be combined with cataract phacoemulsification during the same surgical session, controlling intraocular pressure and improving vision in a single procedure and a single recovery period. At Enfoca in Cancún, we perform combined cataract and glaucoma surgery when the patient is a suitable candidate. This approach allows us to treat both conditions in a single procedure, reducing recovery time and avoiding a second surgery. During the evaluation, the specialist will determine whether this option is the most appropriate based on the type of glaucoma, the stage of the cataract, and each patient’s individual characteristics.
