Glaucoma Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, the common treatments are eye drops, laser treatment, or 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 condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), caused by excess fluid in the eye. While glaucoma is not curable, the goal of treatment is to slow its progression by lowering eye pressure, which can help preserve vision and prevent further nerve damage.
 

Limitations of Standard Glaucoma Treatments

Although eye drops are a common treatment for glaucoma, they come with challenges. Many patients find it difficult to apply drops consistently or correctly, especially older adults. The medication needs to be applied daily, and since early glaucoma may not have noticeable symptoms, patients may forget or prioritize it less. Additionally, eye drops can cause side effects such as burning, redness, or stinging, which can discourage regular use.

Other options, like laser surgery, can help by opening blocked drainage tubes to reduce eye pressure. While laser surgery is less invasive, it may take several weeks to see results. For some patients, more traditional glaucoma surgery may be required, but this comes with risks such as infection, inflammation, or complications like cataracts later on.
 

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a newer option that involves smaller incisions and less trauma to the surrounding eye tissue. MIGS procedures implant tiny devices to help fluid drain more easily, lowering intraocular pressure. Some devices, like iStent, can even be implanted during cataract surgery, allowing for more effective pressure management with fewer medications.

MIGS reduces scarring and preserves the possibility of traditional surgery in the future if needed. These procedures also allow for earlier intervention, leading to better outcomes with less risk.
 

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.
 

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.