An Introduction to Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma treatment options include:
- Medicines
- Laser surgery
- Conventional surgery.
A combination of any of these would also be beneficial. While these glaucoma treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight that has already been lost from glaucoma.
Your doctor can describe your glaucoma treatment choices and the expected results of each. You and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate glaucoma treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient and health care team.
Medications for Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma medication, in the form of eye drops or pills, is the most common early treatment for glaucoma. Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid. Others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.
Before you begin glaucoma treatment, tell your eye care professional about other medicines you may be taking. Sometimes the glaucoma drops can interfere with the way other medicines work.
Most people have no problems. However, some glaucoma medicines can cause
headaches or other side effects. For example, drops may cause stinging, burning, and redness in the eyes.
Many drugs are available for glaucoma treatment. If you have problems with one medicine, tell your eye care professional. Treatment with a different dosage or a new drug may be possible.
Because glaucoma often has no symptoms, people may be tempted to stop taking, or may forget to take, their glaucoma medicine. You need to use the drops or pills as long as they help control your eye pressure. Regular use is very important.
Make sure your eye care professional shows you how to put the drops into your eye.
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