Treatments for Glaucoma

Glaucoma treatments reduce intraocular pressure by improving aqueous outflow, reducing the production of aqueous, or both. Glaucoma can't be totally cured, and damage caused by the disease can't be reversed, but treatment and regular checkups can prevent visual loss in people with very early glaucoma. 

Medications 

Glaucoma treatment often starts with medicated eyedrops. Examples of drops include Beta blockers and Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors which reduce the production of aqueous humor, Alpha-agonists which reduce the production of aqueous humor and increase drainage, and Prostaglandin like compounds, Miotic or cholinergic agents which increase the outflow of aqueous humor. To prevent optic nerve damage or and increase in damage, it is important to use the drops exactly as prescribed.

Surgery 

You may need surgery to treat glaucoma if you can't tolerate medications or if they're ineffective. Sometimes a single surgical procedure may not lower eye pressure enough, in which case you'll need to continue using glaucoma drops or have another operation. Possible complications from glaucoma surgery may include infection, bleeding, abnormally high or low eye pressure, and, potentially, loss of vision.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT or truh-BEK-u-lo-plas-tee) is a simple laser treatment that effectively reduces the pressure in the eye for most patients. The SLT mechanism uses an advanced laser to target only specific cells of the eye – those with the natural pigment, melanin. Dr. Jenkins uses a high-energy laser beam to open clogged drainage canals and help aqueous humor drain more easily from the eye.