How is open angle glaucoma treated?
Treatments for open-angle glaucoma include medications (usually eye drops), laser trabeculoplasty (a procedure that improves drainage of eye fluid through the spongy tissue located near the cornea, called the trabecular meshwork), and surgery.
How is glaucoma treated in the early stages?
Early Glaucoma Treatment Saves Sight. Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye. In the most common form, open-angle glaucoma, the eye ‘s tiny pressure valves get clogged up. One form of treatment relieves this pressure by cutting tiny holes in the eye with a laser.
Is there a cure for intraocular glaucoma?
Although there is no cure for glaucoma, there are available treatments that can dramatically slow or temporarily halt the degeneration. Glaucoma can be treated through either medication or surgery; either treatment is intended to lower intraocular eye pressure. Medications are considered to be the first line in glaucoma treatment.
When to start laser eye drops for glaucoma?
If you decide to start with medications, but find that you are missing doses or have intolerable side effects, you can opt for the laser at a later date. Moreover, while the laser is not reversible, if it turns out to be ineffective you can always start eye drops later.
Is there any way to reverse the damage caused by glaucoma?
The damage caused by glaucoma can’t be reversed. But treatment and regular checkups can help slow or prevent vision loss, especially if you catch the disease in its early stages. Glaucoma is treated by lowering your eye pressure (intraocular pressure).
Early Glaucoma Treatment Saves Sight. Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye. In the most common form, open-angle glaucoma, the eye ‘s tiny pressure valves get clogged up. One form of treatment relieves this pressure by cutting tiny holes in the eye with a laser.
Is there a cure for open angle glaucoma?
Over 250 people from that group with early signs of open-angle glaucoma were asked to join a clinical trial. About half of the participants got laser treatment; the other half were left untreated. After six years, glaucoma got worse in more than half of all the patients. Laser treatment cut the risk of getting worse in half.
If you decide to start with medications, but find that you are missing doses or have intolerable side effects, you can opt for the laser at a later date. Moreover, while the laser is not reversible, if it turns out to be ineffective you can always start eye drops later.
What to ask your eye doctor about glaucoma?
When evaluating treatment options for glaucoma, it is wise to come prepared to your eye doctor’s appointment with questions that will help you make an informed decision. If you have been recently diagnosed with glaucoma, you may have many questions about the most appropriate treatment.