Learn About Treatment Options for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a complex, genetic disease that affects the optic nerve. Left untreated, it can lead to severe vision loss.

While there’s still no cure for glaucoma, eye specialists like Longwood Eye & Lasik offer several treatment options to manage and control this condition.

Understanding these treatment options is critical for effective glaucoma management and preserving vision for as long as possible.

Three Treatment Methods for Glaucoma

Glaucoma treatment typically falls into one of three categories: medications, laser, or surgery.

The first option, medications, are the least invasive and most common for addressing early-stage glaucoma. This approach involves a prescription for eye drops or oral medications, which lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by either reducing fluid production or improving its drainage.

Then there’s the possibility of laser procedures. These treatments, such as laser iridotomy and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), can effectively treat certain types of glaucoma. For example, laser iridotomy creates a small hole in the iris that improves fluid drainage. SLT also enhances fluid drainage for patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Durysta Implant

The Durysta implant has emerged as a breakthrough treatment option for effectively managing glaucoma.

Eye specialists place this FDA-approved dissolvable implant into the eye. The implant then gradually releases medication over several months. It’s proven highly reliable in managing intraocular pressure, reducing the need for frequent eye drop usage.

Trabeculectomy and Tube Shunt Procedure

In more advanced cases of glaucoma, eye surgeons turn to procedures like trabeculectomy and Tube Shunt.

Trabeculectomy involves creating a new drainage channel in the eye that lowers intraocular pressure. With Tube Shunt procedures, surgeons place a small tube to facilitate fluid drainage.

However, it’s important to note that doctors reserve these surgeries for situations in which medication and laser treatments won’t work effectively.

Schedule a Consultation With Longwood Eye & Lasik

If you are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with the condition, don’t delay treatment!

It’s essential to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist or glaucoma specialist and start managing the illness as soon as possible.

Contact Longwood Eye & Lasik today and schedule a consultation online or by calling us at 800-676-5050.