Glaucoma Treatment Options

Take a Closer Look at Your Glaucoma Treatment Options

Glaucoma treatment aims to lower and control intraocular pressure (IOP), the primary risk factor for optic nerve damage and vision loss in glaucoma. The treatment approach can vary depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as individual patient factors. Here are some common treatment options:

Medication

Eye drops or oral medications are often prescribed as the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These medications work by either reducing the production of aqueous humor (fluid inside the eye) or increasing its outflow to lower IOP. Medications may need to be used consistently and as prescribed to maintain effective IOP control. Studies indicate that more than 90% of patients do not adhere to their prescribed glaucoma eye drops, and nearly half discontinue the use of these medications within six months

Laser

A variety of laser therapies can be utilized for glaucoma treatment. Laser trabeculoplasty is the prevailing method, involving the use of a laser directed through a specialized lens to target and affect the eye's drainage system. This process induces a biochemical transformation that facilitates the drainage of fluid from the eye.

Conventional Surgery

– In cases where medication and laser therapy are insufficient or not suitable, surgical interventions may be necessary. Common surgical procedures for glaucoma include:

  • Trabeculectomy: Also known as filtering surgery, trabeculectomy creates a new drainage channel for fluid to leave the eye, reducing IOP
  • Glaucoma drainage devices: These implants, such as the Ahmed valve or Baerveldt implant, help drain excess fluid from the eye to lower IOP.

-Like any surgical procedure, trabeculectomy carries certain higher risks and potential complications

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

-In recent times, patients seeking effective glaucoma management now have a wider range of micro-invasive surgical options available. These options offer an alternative to solely relying on continuous prescription medication.
-Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) has gained popularity among eye care professionals and individuals with mild-to-moderate glaucoma as the preferred approach for managing the condition.
-An example of such an FDA-approved option is iStent inject® W, which is considered one of the smallest medical implants known to be inserted in the human body. This device is implanted during cataract surgery for glaucoma patients with cataracts. Once inserted, the stents are too small to be felt or seen yet they effectively regulate intraocular pressure (IOP) without causing any discomfort.

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