How can glaucoma be treated?
Glaucoma is usually effectively treated with prescription eye drops and medicines that must be taken regularly. In some cases, laser therapy or surgery may be required. The goal of treatment is to prevent loss of vision by lowering the fluid pressure in the eye. Anyone with this condition should be under the regular care of his or her optometrist.
Vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored. The treatment for glaucoma depends upon the nature and severity of each case. A person should understand that glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. Medicines Medicines are the most common early treatment for glaucoma. They come in the form of eye drops and pills. Eye drops lower pressure either by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye or increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye. There are two types of surgery for glaucoma Conventional surgery: The purpose of surgery is to make a new opening for the fluid to leave the eye. A tiny piece of the wall of the eye is removed, leaving a small hole through which fluid can drain. This lowers the eye pressure. It is usually done in a hospital or as an outpatient. Laser Surgery also known as laser trabeculoplasty is done with a tiny light beam directed on the drainage site to help the eye fluids to drain better. A high-energy beam of
