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How is glaucoma treated? |
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As a result, damage caused by glaucoma
cannot be reversed. Eye drops, laser
surgery and surgery in the operating
room are used to help prevent further
damage. In some cases, oral medications
may also be prescribed. |
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With any type of glaucoma, periodic
examinations are very important to
prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma
can progress without your knowledge,
adjustments to your treatment may be
necessary from time to time. |
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Some eyedrops may cause: |
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a stinging or itching sensation;
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red eyes or redness of the skin
surrounding the eyes;
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changes in pulse and heartbeat;
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changes in energy level;
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changes in breathing (especially in people
with asthma);
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dry mouth;
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changes in sense of taste;
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headaches;
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blurred vision;
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change in eye color.
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All medications can have side effects or
can interact with other medications.
Therefore, it is important that you make
a list of the medications you take
regularly and share this list with each
doctor you see. |
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Laser surgery |
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Laser surgery treatment may be recommended
for different types of glaucoma. In
open-angle glaucoma, the drain itself is
treated. The laser is used to modify the
drain (trabeculoplasty)
to help control eye pressure. In
closed-angle glaucoma, the laser creates
a hole in the iris (iridotomy)
to improve the flow of aqueous into the
drain. |
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Surgery in the operating room |
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When surgery in the operating room is
performed to treat glaucoma, your
ophthalmologist uses fine microsurgical
instruments to create a new drainage
channel for the aqueous fluid to leave
the eye. Surgery is recommended if your
ophthalmologist feels it is necessary to
prevent further damage to the optic
nerve. As with laser surgery, surgery in
the operating room is usually an
outpatient procedure. |
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What is your part in treatment? |
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Treatment for glaucoma requires teamwork
between you and your doctor. Your
ophthalmologist can prescribe treatment
for glaucoma, but only you can make sure
that you follow your doctor’s
instructions and use the eye drops.
Once you are taking medications for
glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want
to see your more frequently. Typically,
you can expect to visit your
ophthalmologist every three to four
months. This will vary depending on your
treatment needs.
Loss of vision can be prevented. |
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Regular medical eye exams can help prevent
unnecessary vision loss. Recommended
intervals for eye exams are: |
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Ages 20 to 29:
Individuals with a family history of
glaucoma should have an eye
examination every 3 to 5 years.
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Others should have an eye exam at least
once during this age period.
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Ages 30 to 39:
Individuals with a family history of
glaucoma should have an eye
examination every 2 to 4 years.
Others should have an eye exam at
least twice during this age period.
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Ages 40 to 64:
Every 2 to 4 years.
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Ages 65 or older:
Every 1 to 2 years.
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Treatment |
