Specialties

• Advanced Cataract Surgery
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• Botox
• Comprehensive Adult Eye Exams
• Comprehensive Pediatric Eye Exams
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• Contact Lenses
• Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
• Diabetic Eye Care
  • Vitamins for Diabetics
• Dry Eye Treatment with Punctal Plugs
  • Vitamins for Dry Eye
  • Plugs Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms
• Glaucoma
  • Glaucoma Treatment
  • Vitamins for Glaucoma
• LASIK Refractive Surgery
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• Macular Degeneration
  • Vitamins for Dry AMD
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• Phakic Refractive Lens Surgery
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Glaucoma Treatment

How is glaucoma treated?
As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eyedrops, laser surgery and surgery in the operating room are used to help prevent further damage. In some cases, oral medications also may be prescribed. 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.

Medications
Glaucoma is usually controlled with eyedrops taken daily. These medications lower eye pressure, either by decreasing the amount of aqueous fluid produced within the eye or by improving the flow through the drainage angle.

Never change or stop taking your medications without consulting your ophthalmologist. If you are about to run out of your medication, ask your ophthalmologist if you should have your prescription refilled. Glaucoma medications can preserve your vision, but they also may produce side effects. You should notify your ophthalmologist if you think you may be experiencing side effects.

Some eyedrops may cause:

• a stinging or itching sensation;
• red eyes or redness of the skin surrounding the eyes;
• changes in pulse and heartbeat;
• changes in energy level;
• changes in breathing (especially with asthma or emphysema);
• dry mouth;
• changes in sense of taste;
• headaches;
• blurred vision;
• change in eye color.

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 regularly take and share this list with each doctor you see.

Laser Surgery
Laser surgery treatments 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 fluid to the drain.

• ALT-SLT 
• Iridotomy 

Surgery in the Operating Room
When surgery in the operating room is needed 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 typically an outpatient procedure.

• Trabeculectomy 
• Setons 

What is your part in treatment?
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 take your eyedrops. Once you are taking medications for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to see you 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
Regular medical eye exams may help prevent unnecessary vision loss. Recommended intervals for eye exams are:

• Age 20-29: Individuals of African descent or with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye examination every three to five years. Others should have an eye exam at least once during this period.
• Age 30 -39: Individuals of African descent or with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye examination every two to four years. Others should have an eye exam at least twice during this period.
• Age 40-64: Every two to four years.
• Age 65 or older: Every one to two years.

© Copyright 2003 American Academy of Ophthalmology ®