To Enhance Glaucoma Treatment in Yunlin and Chiayi, Chiayi Christian Hospital Introduces Innovative Micropulse Glaucoma Laser Therapy
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To raise the standard of glaucoma treatment in the Yunlin–Chiayi region, Chiayi Christian Hospital has introduced a new micropulse laser therapy for glaucoma and held a press conference, “Light for the World – Micropulse Glaucoma Laser Surgery Technology Launch”, on the 31st (Thursday). As the first hospital in the Yunlin–Chiayi area to adopt this technology, it now offers patients a safer, more effective treatment option with fewer side effects. Ms. Hu, who personally experienced this cutting-edge medical treatment, shared her story at the event.
Glaucoma is the world’s second leading cause of blindness and is known as the “silent thief of sight.” The condition has shown a steady rise in prevalence. According to the National Health Insurance Administration, the number of glaucoma patients in Taiwan has exceeded 450,000 and continues to grow. In its early stages, glaucoma often presents no obvious symptoms. Some patients may only notice blurred vision, elevated intraocular pressure, rainbow halos at night, headaches, eye pressure, or gradually narrowing peripheral vision. In acute cases, patients may also experience nausea or vomiting. Unfortunately, by the time abnormal vision is noticed, optic nerve damage has often already occurred and is irreversible.
Ms. Hu, a 27-year-old patient, shared her experience. She was born with congenital iris defects and had poor vision since childhood. Later, she was diagnosed with glaucoma and had relied on eyedrops to control intraocular pressure. Recently, when her eye pressure became difficult to manage, her doctor suggested undergoing micropulse glaucoma laser treatment. This procedure helped stabilize her eye pressure without requiring surgery and could be repeated if necessary. Following treatment, her eye pressure was better controlled, her dependence on eyedrops decreased, and her eyes felt much more comfortable.
Dr. Fu Po-Yuan, ophthalmologist at Chiayi Christian Hospital, explained that with the aging population, the increasing prevalence of myopia, and long-term use of digital devices, the number of glaucoma patients continues to rise, with cases also trending toward younger ages. In addition, individuals with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk. Regular eye examinations are essential for prevention, and people over 40 are advised to undergo comprehensive eye pressure and optic nerve checks at least once a year.
Dr. Fu further noted that traditional glaucoma treatment primarily relies on medication, especially eyedrops to control intraocular pressure. However, for some patients, the results are unsatisfactory, or long-term use causes eye discomfort such as redness, allergies, or dry eyes. To address this, the hospital has introduced micropulse glaucoma laser surgery, offering patients an option with fewer side effects and a shorter recovery period.
Micropulse laser surgery works by applying low-energy laser stimulation to the ciliary body, reducing aqueous humor production and promoting outflow, thereby lowering intraocular pressure effectively. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting, takes only about 5 to 10 minutes, and requires only local anesthesia. Compared to traditional cryotherapy, it causes significantly less pain and postoperative inflammation, and the risks of complications such as hypotony or phthisis bulbi are greatly reduced—allowing more patients to benefit.
However, Dr. Fu also reminded patients that this procedure is not suitable for everyone with glaucoma. Each case must be carefully evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Even after surgery, patients still need regular follow-up visits to monitor eye pressure, combined with healthy lifestyle habits—such as managing chronic conditions, avoiding excessive eye strain and late nights—to prevent disease progression.
Vice Superintendent Dr. Yang Cheng-San of Chiayi Christian Hospital emphasized that glaucoma poses a serious threat to the vision health of the Taiwanese population. As a medical center serving the Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan region, the hospital has a responsibility to introduce advanced medical technology and provide more comprehensive treatment options to protect community eye health. While glaucoma cannot be fully cured, modern treatments can effectively control and slow its progression. By pioneering the introduction of micropulse laser treatment in the region, the hospital offers hope to glaucoma patients and gives the public more options to preserve their precious vision and maintain quality of life.