Glaucoma Treatment
A wide variety of treatments are available for reducing the intraocular pressure,
the only known effective treatment for glaucoma.
- Eye Drops: A wide range of medications are available in eye drop form which are
used to effectively reduce the intraocular pressure. Eye drops are often the first
line of defense used to reduce the intraocular pressure and are effective in
controlling glaucoma in the vast majority of patients.
- Pills: Certain oral medications can also be used to control intraocular pressure.
- Laser Treatments: Laser therapy can be applied to the eye and result in reduced
intraocular pressure.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures to create a new drainage channel in the eye allow
for excellent intraocular pressure control.
Additional Facts Regarding Glaucoma- Patients have no awareness of elevated intraocular
pressure and have no way of knowing if the optic nerve is being continuously damaged.
Once optic nerve damage has occurred, it can not be reversed with treatment. The key to
effective management of this condition is early identification and diagnosis of those
patients who are at risk.
Routine eye exams with monitoring of intraocular pressure and a dilated examination of
the optic nerve are the best methods to detect glaucoma. This is particularly important
in patients over the age of 60 and in those patients who have a family history of
glaucoma. Regular visits to your family optometrist will ensure a lifetime of healthy eyes
and good vision.
