Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma Surgery & Laser Treatments in Birmingham, AL

Dr. Young H. Choi performs state-of-the-art procedures for treating glaucoma, including Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS).

Protecting your eyes from vision loss begins with proactive, early glaucoma diagnosis and effective treatment.

At Young H. Choi, M.D., Eye Surgery Center in Vestavia Hills, we offer advanced, evidence-based glaucoma management and treatment solutions: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), and Goniotomy. Dr. Choi has 15+ years of surgical expertise in ophthalmology and is devoted to compassionately helping patients throughout Birmingham and Central Alabama preserve and restore their sight and quality of life. Complete the form on this page by clicking the button below or scrolling to the end to request a consultation at one of our offices today. Dr. Choi will help you explore your best glaucoma treatment options and determine whether laser surgery is right for you.

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What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease in which an excess of aqueous humor, the fluid that floats in the front of the eye, builds up, leading to high intraocular pressure (“IOP”) that damages the optic nerve. Over time, this heightened eye fluid pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss—often without early warning signs.

If you suffer vision loss, whether partial or complete blindness, it simply cannot be restored; that is why glaucoma screenings (during regular eye exams) for early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

At our Birmingham office, Dr. Choi specializes in managing several types of glaucoma:

  • Open-angle glaucoma (most common)
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Normal-tension glaucoma
  • Secondary glaucoma

Symptoms of Glaucoma by Type

  • Open-Angle Glaucoma
    This most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, is characterized by a gradual onset of worsening peripheral vision with little to no discomfort or pain. Patients often fail to realize they’re developing blind spots until they appear in more noticeable areas of their field of vision; unfortunately, by then, it is too late to treat.
  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma or Narrow Angle Glaucoma
    There are two varieties of angle-closure glaucoma: primary and acute. The primary variety is similar to open-angle glaucoma in that it involves little to no symptoms during the early stages, when blindness is often preventable with treatment.

    The acute variety of angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency involving the sudden onset of symptoms like nausea, spots or “stars” floating in the patient’s field of vision, severe headaches, eye pain, and, in some cases, abrupt vision loss.
  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma
    Normal tension glaucoma leads to vision loss and defects in the center of the field of vision (instead of peripherally) early on and much sooner than other glaucoma types. Specialists associate this type of glaucoma with conditions that can reduce blood flow to the optic nerves (e.g., low blood pressure, migraines, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and sleep apnea).​ The main symptoms include slow-progressing, pain-free vision loss and fluctuating vision quality.
  • Secondary Glaucoma
    Secondary glaucoma is a form of glaucoma caused by another eye condition, disease, injury, or medication. It can appear suddenly or gradually and may be either open-angle or angle-closure in nature.

When Is Glaucoma Surgery Needed?

Although glaucoma symptoms are often manageable with prescription eye drops or oral medication, surgical intervention for the disease becomes necessary when:


  • Eye pressure remains high despite prescription medication

  • Vision continues to worsen

  • Eye drops lead to intolerable side effects

  • Long-term control is needed to prevent further optic nerve damage


Glaucoma surgery and laser treatments don’t cure glaucoma, but they help prevent further vision loss by improving fluid drainage and reducing pressure inside the eye.

Our Advanced Glaucoma Treatment Options

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT is a quick, painless laser procedure that helps the eye’s natural drainage system work better.

  • Outpatient treatment, usually completed in 10–15 minutes per eye
  • Uses gentle laser pulses to lower eye pressure
  • Often replaces or reduces the need for daily drops
  • Safe and repeatable if pressure rises again

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

For patients with moderate glaucoma or those undergoing cataract surgery, our practice offers MIGS as an innovative, low-risk glaucoma treatment option.

  • Uses micro-stents or devices to improve fluid drainage
  • Less trauma to eye tissue than traditional surgery
  • Faster recovery, fewer complications
  • May be combined with cataract surgery for dual benefit

Common MIGS procedures include:

  • Goniotomy / Canaloplasty: Opens natural drainage channels
  • iStent or Hydrus Implants: Tiny devices that keep the eye’s drainage path open

Traditional Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy & Drainage Devices)

For advanced cases or patients whose IOP remains uncontrolled, Dr. Choi performs trabeculectomy or drainage device implantation to create a new pathway for fluid outflow.

  • Typically used for severe glaucoma.
  • Proven long-term success in reducing intraocular pressure
  • Requires more post-op care, but offers significant stability

Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery

  • Lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) to protect the optic nerve
  • Prevents further vision loss and disease progression
  • Reduces or eliminates dependence on daily eye drops
  • Improves comfort for patients with medication side effects
  • Offers minimally invasive options with short recovery times

Most of our procedures are outpatient and take less than an hour.

Recovery and What to Expect

Recovery depends on the procedure, but most patients experience:

  • Mild irritation or redness for a few days
  • Gradual improvement in comfort and clarity
  • Need for post-operative eye drops to control inflammation and pressure
  • Follow-up appointments over several weeks to monitor healing

Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 days after laser procedures, such as SLT, or within 1–2 weeks for surgical options.

Risks and Long-Term Outlook

Every surgery carries some risk, including infection, inflammation, or temporary vision fluctuations.

However, when performed by an experienced surgeon, the benefits of slowing or stopping vision loss usually far outweigh the risks. Dr. Choi uses advanced diagnostics, gentle surgical techniques, and close follow-up care to ensure long-term eye health.

Why Choose Dr. Young H. Choi for Glaucoma Surgery in Birmingham?

  • Over 15 years of experience in advanced glaucoma procedures
  • Certified ophthalmologist offering SLT, MIGS, and traditional surgeries
  • Boutique, patient-centered care—you’ll never feel rushed or ignored
  • Trusted by patients across Vestavia Hills, Hoover, and the greater Birmingham area
  • Dr. Choi and his team focus on preserving your vision for life, using the safest and most effective treatment available.

Glaucoma Surgery & Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Hear From Our Patients

Our team, led by the expertise of Dr. Young H. Choi, takes pride in helping our patients with through excellent service and cutting edge technology.

Dr. Choi is a highly skilled surgeon who exhibited an extremely reassuring manner about my procedure. I have had wonderful results and I am highly pleased with my improved vision. I would recommended Dr. .Choi and his staff for their outstanding care, attention to details, and overall professional excellence in treating their patients.”

– L.H.

I 100% recommend Dr. Choi for Cataract Eye Surgery, LASIK, SMILE, YAG, SLT, and Goniatomy – among other clinical procedures offered. He and his staff are extremely friendly and accommodating (especially during COVID-19) Not to mention, it is the nicest surgical facility I have ever seen!”

– T.H.

Excellent from start to finish, great staff, Dr Choi is exceptional”

– M.H.

I truly have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Choi and his staff. I am so grateful for the vision that I have now. Dr. Choi is a excellent surgeon and his staff is also just as excellent. I always was at ease with each visit. I can’t thank Dr. Choi and his staff enough for what they have done for me.”

– D.W.

Dr. Choi and his staff are wonderful. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.”

– S.R.

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Sources

American Academy of Ophthalmology – SLT Overview https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/laser-trabeculoplasty

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