How is Glaucoma Treated?

The very best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma is early diagnosis. We recommend you visit your eye doctor at least every two years for a complete examination, including a pressure check and examination of the optic nerve. People at high risk for glaucoma as indicated above, may need more frequent visits to the eye doctor.

Glaucoma treatment (for any form) entails decreasing aqueous humor production, increasing fluid drainage, or a combination of the two. These treatments will not restore any vision already lost to glaucoma, but it can prevent further loss.

The most common treatment for glaucoma is the use of medications in the form of eye drops. Some of these medications allow for faster drainage of fluid from the eye, while others reduce the production of fluid. Most cases of glaucoma can be controlled with a single medication, or a combination, but some patients may require or select surgery. Glaucoma laser surgery is called trabeculoplasty, in which a laser creates tiny holes where the cornea and iris meet to increase aqueous humor drainage. Glaucoma laser surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis with a rapid recovery and very little discomfort. The most common surgical operation to lower the eye pressure in a patient with glaucoma is trabeculectomy. Here a microscopic hole is created to help facilitate drainage of the aqueous humor. It is reserved for patients who have progressive nerve damage not responding to drops or laser.

Glaucoma can be treated and can be controlled. Maintain your eye health with regular visits to your eye doctor. Please click here to learn more about glaucoma as an eye disorder.