To raise the standard of glaucoma treatment in the Yunlin-Chiayi region, Chiayi Christian Hospital has introduced a new micropulse glaucoma laser therapy and held a press conference on Thursday, July 31, titled “Light for the World – Micropulse Glaucoma Laser Surgery Technology Launch”. As the first hospital in the Yunlin-Chiayi area to adopt this advanced technology, CYCH now offers glaucoma patients a safe, effective, and low side-effect treatment option. Ms. Hu, one of the first patients to experience this new treatment, shared her personal testimony at the event.
Glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight”, is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, with an increasing prevalence. According to Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration, more than 450,000 people are currently affected nationwide, with numbers rising annually. In its early stages, glaucoma usually presents no obvious symptoms; some patients may only experience blurry vision, elevated eye pressure, rainbow-colored halos at night, headaches, eye strain, or gradual narrowing of peripheral vision. In severe cases, nausea or vomiting may occur. Unfortunately, by the time vision abnormalities are noticed, the optic nerve is often already damaged and cannot be restored.
Ms. Hu, 27, shared her journey: born with congenital iris defects, her vision had always been poor, and she was later diagnosed with glaucoma. She relied on medicated eye drops for years to control intraocular pressure, but recently her condition worsened. On her doctor’s recommendation, she underwent micropulse glaucoma laser therapy, which successfully stabilized her eye pressure. Since the procedure, she needs fewer eye drops, feels more comfortable, and her quality of life has greatly improved.
Dr. Bai-Yuan Fu, ophthalmologist at CYCH, explained that factors such as an aging population, increasing rates of myopia, and prolonged use of digital devices have contributed to the rise of glaucoma cases, with younger patients also being affected. Those with a family history of glaucoma are at particularly high risk. He emphasized that regular eye check-ups are crucial, recommending that adults over 40 undergo comprehensive eye pressure and optic nerve examinations at least once a year.
Dr. Fu further explained that traditional glaucoma treatment primarily involves medicated eye drops, but many patients experience limited effectiveness or side effects such as eye irritation, redness, allergies, or dryness. To address these challenges, CYCH introduced the micropulse glaucoma laser procedure, which offers fewer side effects and shorter recovery times.
This innovative laser technique uses low-energy micropulse laser stimulation of the ciliary body to reduce aqueous humor production and enhance outflow, effectively lowering intraocular pressure. The outpatient procedure takes only 5–10 minutes, requires only local anesthesia, and carries a significantly lower risk of post-operative pain and inflammation compared to traditional cryotherapy. Risks of complications such as hypotony or eye shrinkage are also greatly reduced, bringing hope to more patients.
However, Dr. Fu reminded the public that not all glaucoma patients are suitable for this treatment, as eligibility must be carefully assessed by an ophthalmologist. Patients who undergo the procedure should continue with regular follow-ups, monitor intraocular pressure, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits—such as managing chronic conditions, avoiding excessive eye strain, and ensuring sufficient rest—to prevent disease progression.
Dr. Cheng-San Yang, Vice Superintendent of CYCH, emphasized that glaucoma poses a major threat to vision health in Taiwan. As a regional medical leader, CYCH has a responsibility to introduce cutting-edge medical technologies and provide comprehensive care options to safeguard vision health. While glaucoma cannot be completely cured, modern medical advancements now allow for effective disease control and slowed progression. By pioneering micropulse laser therapy in the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan region, CYCH offers new hope for glaucoma patients and empowers the community with more options to preserve precious eyesight and maintain quality of life.
