Explore Glaucoma treatment options, including medicated eye drops, laser procedures, and surgical interventions designed to lower eye pressure and protect your vision.
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Glaucoma Treatment and Procedures
The primary goal of any Glaucoma treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure to a safe level. This is currently the only proven way to prevent the progression of optic nerve damage and vision loss. Management is usually a lifelong process, as the condition is chronic. Most patients begin their journey with non-invasive methods and only move to more advanced procedures if the pressure remains uncontrolled. The choice of intervention depends on the type of condition, the severity of damage, and the patient’s overall health.
For the majority of people, the first line of management is the daily use of prescription eye drops. These drops work in one of two ways.
Consistency is the most important part of this method. If the drops are not used exactly as prescribed, the pressure can spike and cause silent damage.
Most people find that they can easily integrate these drops into their morning or evening routines once they understand their importance.
Laser therapy is becoming a very popular first or second step for many patients. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is a quick office procedure. The specialist uses a specialized laser to target the drainage meshwork of the eye. This stimulates the tissue to work more efficiently, allowing fluid to drain more easily.
In cases where a patient has a very narrow drainage angle or is experiencing an acute attack, a different type of laser procedure called a Peripheral Iridotomy is used. The specialist uses the laser to create a tiny, microscopic hole in the iris. This acts like an overflow valve, allowing fluid to pass more easily from behind the iris to the front of the eye. This opens the drainage angle and can prevent a sudden, dangerous spike in eye pressure. It is a vital preventive tool for those with specific eye structures.
A relatively new category of procedures is known as Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS. These are often performed at the same time as cataract surgery.
Because they are less invasive than traditional surgeries, they are often used for patients with mild to moderate stages of the condition.
If medications and lasers are not enough to reach the target pressure, a specialist may recommend a trabeculectomy. This is a traditional filtration surgery where a small opening is created in the white part of the eye. A small flap is made to allow fluid to drain out of the eye and into a small reservoir, or bleb, hidden under the eyelid. This bypassed the natural clogged drainage system entirely. This is a very effective way to significantly lower eye pressure for patients with advanced damage.
For patients who have had unsuccessful surgeries in the past or have specific types of the condition, a drainage implant may be used. This involves placing a tiny tube into the front chamber of the eye. The tube is attached to a small plate that is tucked under the conjunctiva. The fluid drains through the tube and onto the plate, where it is then absorbed by the body. This is a more advanced surgical option that provides a reliable way to manage pressure in complex cases.
In some situations, such as an acute attack or when drops and lasers are not providing enough control, oral medications may be prescribed. these are usually a temporary measure because they can have more systemic side effects than eye drops. They work by rapidly decreasing the production of fluid in the eye. They are often used as a bridge to surgery or to stabilize the eye during a crisis. Your doctor will monitor you closely if these are necessary.
Regardless of the treatment chosen, the success of the management plan depends on the patient. This condition requires a partnership between the doctor and the individual.
By taking an active role in your eye care, you can ensure that the technology and expertise of the specialist are able to protect your vision effectively for the long term.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Most side effects like redness or stinging are temporary, though some can cause subtle changes in eye color or eyelash growth
In many cases yes, SLT is often offered as an alternative to starting drops for the first time.
All surgery has some risk, but procedures for this condition have a high success rate and are only recommended when the risk of vision loss is higher.
It often takes several weeks for the full pressure lowering effect to be seen.
No, your pressure is normal because of the treatment; if you stop, the pressure will likely rise again and cause damage.
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