Treatments for glaucoma

01 June 2023

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It is usually caused by the accumulation of fluid in the front part of the eye, increasing intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early.

It can affect people of all ages, but is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.

The damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible. However, treatment and regular checkups can help delay or prevent vision loss, especially if the disease is detected in its early stages.

Glaucoma is treated by reducing intraocular pressure. Treatment options include drops, oral medications, laser treatment, surgery or a combination of these.

Drops

Glaucoma treatment usually begins with drops. Some can reduce eye pressure by improving the drainage of fluid from the eye. Others decrease the amount of fluid the eye produces. Depending on how low your eye pressure needs to be, you may be prescribed more than one type of drop.

Surgery and other treatments

Other treatment options include laser therapy and surgery. The following techniques can help drain fluid inside the eye and reduce eye pressure:

- Laser treatment. Laser trabeculoplasty is an option if you cannot tolerate drops. It may also be used if medications have not slowed the progression of the disease. The ophthalmologist uses a small laser to improve drainage of the tissue at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. It may take a few weeks before the full effect of this procedure is seen.

- Filtering surgery. This is a surgical procedure called trabeculectomy. The ophthalmologist creates an opening in the white part of the eye, also known as the sclera. The procedure creates another space for fluid to drain out of the eye.

- Drainage tubes. In this procedure, a small tube is inserted into the eye to drain excess fluid and reduce eye pressure.

Treatment for acute angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you are diagnosed with this condition, you will need urgent treatment to reduce your eye pressure. Usually, treatment with medication and laser or surgical procedures will be necessary.

You may undergo a procedure called laser iridotomy. The doctor creates a small hole in the iris with a laser. This allows fluid to flow through the iris. This helps open the drainage angle of the eye and relieve eye pressure.