The A to Z of Glaucoma Treatment and Prevention

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases that can cause loss of sight and vision over time. In some cases, it can also result in sudden loss of vision.

If left untreated, glaucoma can develop into permanent blindness. For this reason, it is necessary to seek treatment for glaucoma on time.

You should note that glaucoma treatment cannot reverse any vision loss that has already occurred. But it can slow or prevent any further loss of vision.

This article will discuss all about glaucoma treatment to give you a better understanding of the treatment options. We will also discuss how to prevent glaucoma.

Glaucoma Treatment

Generally, treatment of glaucoma depends on the type of glaucoma you have. 

The most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, is treated with eye drops. However, surgery or laser may also be considered if drops are ineffective.

Treatment for other types of glaucoma may include:

• Primary angle closure glaucoma: Treatment focuses on controlling the Intraocular Pressure (IOP), followed by laser treatment
• Secondary glaucoma: Treatment focuses on lowering Intraocular Pressure, reducing inflammation, and treating the underlying cause

The treatment may involve eye drops, surgery, or a laser, depending on the underlying cause of glaucoma

• Childhood glaucoma: Generally, treatment for this glaucoma type involves surgery to reduce IOP, while medical treatment plays a supportive role

Let’s discuss the various treatment options for different types of glaucoma in detail.

Eye Drops

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Eye drops are the primary treatment for glaucoma. Mostly, these eye drops work by reducing the pressure in the eye.

Commonly available eye drops include Bimatoprost and Dorzolamide. Typically, one drop per eye should be used in a day or as the doctor recommends. 

Some eye drops can result in side effects such as eye irritation. For this reason, it is necessary to consult a medical professional before using any kind of eye drops.

To learn more about eye drops for Glaucoma, read Everything You Need to Know About Glaucoma Eye Drops

Laser Treatment

Doctors recommend laser treatment if eye drops are not enough to treat glaucoma. 

The treatment generally involves using a high-energy light beam aimed at a particular part of the eye. This ensures that the fluid does not build up inside the eye.

Different types of laser treatment include laser trabeculoplasty,  laser cyclophotocoagulation, and laser iridotomy.

Laser treatment is usually carried out while you are awake. However, a local anesthetic is used to numb the eye so you do not feel much pain.

You may still need to use eye drops after laser treatment.

Surgery

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Surgery is often suggested when eye drops and laser treatment proves ineffective. 

The most common type of glaucoma surgery is trabeculectomy. In this surgery, part of the eye drainage tubes is removed to allow fluid to drain more easily.

Other types of surgery for glaucoma include viscocanalostomy, deep sclerectomy, and trabecular stent bypass.

You generally do not need to use eye drops after surgery. Your eye might release water or remain red, and vision may be blurred for a few weeks after surgery.

This generally returns to normal on its own. You should consult a medical professional for post-surgery care and which activities you should do or avoid during recovery.

How to Prevent Glaucoma

It is not always possible to prevent glaucoma, but you can take steps to reduce the risk or catch it early. You can prevent glaucoma by:

• Scheduling regular eye exams for early detection
• Maintaining a balanced diet promotes overall eye health
• Using protective eye gear while playing sports, using power tools, or other activities
• Managing other health conditions, such as Diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the glaucoma risk

To explore more prevention options, read How to Prevent Glaucoma? Effective Ways to Prevent Vision Loss.

Last Words

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can cause vision loss or blindness over time. Treatment for glaucoma typically depends on the type of glaucoma you have.

Generally, glaucoma treatment involves eye drops, laser treatment, and surgery. Laser treatment or surgery is recommended only when eye drops are ineffective.

Mostly for all kinds of glaucoma except childhood glaucoma, eye drops are often the first-line treatment to reduce Intraocular Pressure in the eye. Then, if needed, laser or surgery is considered. 

Whereas for childhood glaucoma, surgery is used to reduce eye pressure while medical treatment plays a supportive role.

It is necessary to consult a medical professional if you notice changes in your vision. 

They may recommend eye drops such as Bimatoprost first. This may be followed by surgery or a laser if needed.

But you should always take steps to prevent glaucoma, such as regular eye checkups and using protective eye gear.

These precautions  may not always prevent glaucoma, but it will surely reduce your risk of developing glaucoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

• nhs.ukv
• my.clevelandclinic.org