Overview of Treating Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. The goal of treatment is to lower the pressure inside the eye, which is the primary risk factor for glaucoma.

Treatment options for glaucoma include:

1. Eye drops: These are the most common form of treatment for glaucoma. Eye drops work by either decreasing the production of fluid in the eye or increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye.
2. Oral medication: In some cases, oral medication may be prescribed to help lower the pressure in the eye.
3. Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to reduce the pressure in the eye by opening up the drainage system.
4. Surgery: There are several surgical options for glaucoma, including trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage channel in the eye, and shunt surgery, which involves implanting a small tube to drain fluid from the eye.

The choice of treatment will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of glaucoma, the patient’s overall health, and their ability to follow the treatment regimen. Regular follow-up visits with an eye doctor are important to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust treatment as needed.