Glaucoma Cure

There is no cure for glaucoma yet. Until researchers can find out specifically what causes this condition, it is unlikely that a cure will be found. Although there is currently no glaucoma or way of reversing the disease, you can take certain preventive measures to protect your vision.

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.
 

Protecting Your Vision

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.
     
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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