Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases involving damage to the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss and blindness. It can affect anyone but is more common among older individuals, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of the condition. Although there is no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can delay, and even prevent, vision loss. Here is an overview of glaucoma treatment options.*

Types and Causes of Glaucoma

The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma (OAG), develops gradually and is caused by insufficient fluid drainage from the eye. This doesn’t refer to the drainage of tears, but a fluid called aqueous humor, that nourishes the eye then drains away. When that fluid can’t drain away, pressure builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve.

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Being over 60 years old, 
• Having diabetes, and 
• Having a family history of the disease.

This condition can occur in anyone but is more prevalent in these groups. Other types of glaucoma include angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and juvenile glaucoma, but this article primarily focuses on open-angle glaucoma.

Treatment Options

Many more treatment options for OAG exist today than just 10 years ago. Your eye doctor is likely to recommend the least invasive and most convenient option that is likely to be effective first, depending on the severity of your glaucoma at the time of your diagnosis.

• Medications. Eye drops are often the first treatment prescribed. They work by either helping to drain fluid or reducing its production in the eye. Common medicated eye drops are:
  • Prostaglandins, such as Xalatan and Lumigan
  • Rho kinase inhibitors, like Rhopressa
  • Alpha-adrenergic agonists, such as apraclonidine and brimonidine
  • Beta-blockers, like Betoptic and timolol.
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as Trusopt and Azopt
• Laser therapy. Laser treatment helps drain eye fluid and reduce pressure. This outpatient procedure may require follow-up treatments.
• Surgery. Surgery is recommended if medications and laser treatments are ineffective. Types of surgery for treating glaucoma include:
  • Trabeculectomy
  • Implant surgery 
  • Minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

Newer surgical procedures like Durysta and iDose TR involve implanting continuous, long-term medication release to manage eye pressure, without the need for a rigid eye drop application regimen.

Living With Glaucoma

Living with glaucoma may require some lifestyle adjustments, depending on your existing vision loss and the treatment you and your doctor decide upon.

• Daily eye drop regimens must be strictly adhered to in order to be effective and prevent further nerve damage and vision loss.
• Keeping up with scheduled eye exams and communications with your doctor about changes in your vision and/or life’s circumstances is vital.
• Maintaining healthy habits regarding diet, exercise, and not smoking support good eye health.

Glaucoma affects millions and can lead to significant vision loss if untreated or insufficiently treated. While there is currently no cure, medications, laser, and surgical procedures can help manage the condition and prevent further damage. Collaborating with an eye care provider and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to managing glaucoma effectively.

*Dube, B. (2024, June 1). How Is Glaucoma Treated? Health. https://www.health.com/glaucoma-treatment-8649292 

Responsum Health closely vets all sources to ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, or procedure discussed within.