Treatment Options for Glaucoma: Medications and Procedures

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible vision loss. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to help manage glaucoma and slow its progression. From prescription eye drops to advanced surgical techniques, patients have various choices based on the severity of their condition.

Medications for Glaucoma

The first line of treatment for most glaucoma patients is medication, typically in the form of prescription eye drops. These drops work by either reducing the production of fluid within the eye (aqueous humor) or improving its drainage to lower intraocular pressure.
 

• Prostaglandin Analogs – These medications, such as latanoprost and bimatoprost, increase fluid drainage from the eye to lower pressure. They are typically used once daily and have minimal systemic side effects, though they may cause mild irritation or darkening of the iris over time.

• Beta-Blockers – Medications like timolol reduce fluid production in the eye. They are often prescribed for patients who cannot tolerate prostaglandin analogs, but they may have systemic side effects, including reduced heart rate and fatigue.

• Alpha Agonists – These eye drops decrease fluid production and improve drainage simultaneously. Common options include brimonidine, which may cause dry mouth or drowsiness in some patients.

• Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors – Available in both eye drop and oral forms, these medications lower intraocular pressure by reducing fluid production. They may be prescribed when other drops are insufficient but can cause tingling sensations in the fingers and toes.

Patients should use their prescribed eye drops consistently, as missing doses can lead to elevated eye pressure and an increased risk of vision loss.

Laser Treatments for Glaucoma

Laser therapy is a minimally invasive option that can help improve fluid drainage or reduce fluid production in the eye, effectively lowering intraocular pressure.
 

• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – Commonly used for open-angle glaucoma, SLT employs low-energy laser pulses to enhance fluid drainage through the trabecular meshwork. It is a safe and effective procedure that can provide long-lasting pressure reduction with minimal discomfort.

• Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) – This procedure is primarily used for angle-closure glaucoma. A small laser-created opening in the iris allows fluid to flow more freely, preventing sudden increases in eye pressure.

• Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) – Typically reserved for more advanced glaucoma cases, CPC targets the ciliary body to reduce the production of intraocular fluid. It can be performed with different laser techniques, including transscleral and endoscopic methods, depending on the patient’s needs.

Glaucoma Surgeries

For patients who require more aggressive intervention, glaucoma surgeries can provide significant, long-term pressure reduction.
 

• Trabeculectomy – This surgical procedure creates a new drainage channel in the eye, allowing excess fluid to bypass the trabecular meshwork and lower intraocular pressure. Trabeculectomy is highly effective but requires a longer recovery period and careful post-operative management.

• Glaucoma Drainage Implants – Devices such as the Ahmed or Baerveldt implants are surgically placed to help regulate fluid outflow and prevent excessive pressure buildup. These implants are often recommended for patients with severe or complex glaucoma that has not responded to other treatments.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening with Advanced Family Eye Care Today

While there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and consistent treatment can help preserve vision and prevent further damage. Treatment options range from medications to laser therapy and surgical procedures, each tailored to a patient’s specific condition and disease progression. Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting glaucoma early and ensuring that treatment is adjusted as needed.

If you or a loved one is experiencing glaucoma symptoms, contact Advanced Family Eye Care to schedule an eye exam and discuss your options for preserving vision. Visit our office in Broken Arrow/Coweta or Wagoner, Oklahoma. Please call (918) 279-8830 or (918) 485-2123 to book an appointment today.