Is There a Cure for Glaucoma?
At this point, there is no
glaucoma cure, nor is there a way to reverse this condition. Vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored. Until
glaucoma research scientists know specifically what causes this condition
(see Causes of Glaucoma), it is unlikely that a cure will be found.
There are, however, some things that a person can do to possibly protect his or her vision. These include:
- If you are undergoing glaucoma treatment, be sure to take your glaucoma medications every day. While there is no cure, glaucoma can usually be controlled with proper treatment.
- See your eye care professional regularly.
- You can also help protect the vision of family members and friends who may be at high risk for glaucoma: African Americans over age 40, everyone over age 60 (especially Mexican Americans), and people with a family history of the disease. Encourage them to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. Lowering eye pressure in the early stages slows progression of the disease and helps save vision.
- Medicare covers an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam for some people at high risk for glaucoma. This includes those with diabetes, those with a family history of glaucoma, and African Americans age 50 and older.