Glaucoma Treatments
Glaucoma treatments
Because there are different types of glaucoma, treatment options can vary. However, the fundamental goal of all these treatments is to relieve pressure inside the eye by causing the eye to make less fluid or to ease the process of fluid drainage from the eye.
Eye drops
In most cases, glaucoma treatment begins with eye drops. Various types of eye drops may be prescribed, so it is crucial that you adhere to the instructions provided by our eye doctors. These drops work to reduce eye pressure, increase the flow of liquid, and decrease the production of liquid in the first place.
Oral medications
In specific situations, eye drops are not sufficient. In such instances, we often prescribe carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (such as acetazolamide [Diamox®]), which are oral medications designed to lower eye pressure.
Laser surgery
Open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common form, is often treated with laser trabeculoplasty. In this procedure, one of our highly-qualified eye doctors will use a safe, high-powered laser to open clogged drainage canals; this eases fluid loss and reduces pressure.
Other surgeries
The results of a laser trabeculoplasty often wear off after time. If medications and laser treatment alone are not able to bring your eye pressure low enough to prevent further damage, you may need a surgical option. These options include removing a small flap of skin at the back of your eye to ease drainage (“trabeculectomy”) or inserting small tubes in your eye to facilitate the removal of fluid.
If you would like to learn more about our glaucoma treatment options, call us at 504-887-7660 or email us to schedule an appointment.