Glaucoma

Glaucoma Treatment: New Approaches for Better Outcomes

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, the common treatments are eye drops, laser treatment, and traditional surgery. While these treatments are effective, especially when glaucoma is detected early, ongoing research continues to bring exciting new options that aim to improve outcomes, reduce side effects, and make treatment less frequent.

What is the Goal of Glaucoma Treatment?

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by excess fluid buildup in the eye. While glaucoma has no cure, early detection and treatment can slow its progression. By lowering eye pressure, treatment helps protect the optic nerve, preserve vision, and prevent further damage.

Glaucoma Treatments: Finding the Right Solution for You

The first-line treatment for glaucoma has traditionally been prescription eye drops that lower intraocular pressure (IOP). These medications are often affordable, easy to start, and effective at slowing disease progression. However, they require daily use, and many patients—especially older adults—struggle with consistent application. Since early glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms, it can be easy to forget doses. Additionally, some eye drops may cause side effects like burning, redness, or stinging, which can make long-term use challenging.

For patients who want a lower-maintenance option, laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) offer a safe and effective way to reduce eye pressure. Laser treatment works by improving fluid drainage from the eye, and while it can take a few weeks to see full results, it eliminates the need for daily eye drops in many cases. SLT is a quick, in-office procedure with minimal recovery time and can be repeated if necessary.

In more advanced cases, traditional glaucoma surgery, such as trabeculectomy or shunt implantation, may be required. These surgical options create a new drainage pathway to effectively lower eye pressure when other treatments aren’t enough. While surgery carries some risks, including infection and potential cataract development, it can provide long-term pressure control and prevent further vision loss.

At Pecan Creek Eyecare, we offer personalized glaucoma treatment plans to help protect your vision with the latest advancements in eye care. If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk, schedule an appointment today to explore the best treatment options for your needs.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

For some patients, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may be an option. These procedures involve tiny implants to improve fluid drainage, lowering eye pressure with less trauma to surrounding tissue. If surgery becomes necessary, we work closely with top specialists to ensure the best care for our patients.

Managing Your Glaucoma

Accurate and regular monitoring of eye pressure is critical for managing glaucoma. Other glaucoma testing includes peripheral vision tests and OCT nerve scans. Your doctor will closely monitor these results and compare to past tests to check for progression of your glaucoma.
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Looking Ahead: Improving Glaucoma Care

The future of glaucoma treatment is promising, with ongoing advancements focused on improving patient comfort and treatment effectiveness. While glaucoma is not curable, it can be effectively managed with the right approach. With these new innovations in diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, the outlook for glaucoma patients has never been better.

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or are concerned about your eye health, Pecan Creek Eyecare is here to guide you through your treatment options and ensure the best care possible for preserving your vision.