Although there is no medical cure for glaucoma, the condition can be treated and managed to help slow vision loss and preserve your vision. The earlier your condition is diagnosed the more effective treatment will be.
Our Tucson glaucoma doctors offer the following glaucoma treatment options to reduce eye pressure:
Eye Drops
There are a variety of medicated eye drops that can be prescribed to decrease eye pressure. Your doctor may prescribe drops that increase the outflow of fluid, reduce the production of fluid or drops that achieve both.
Oral Medications
Oral medication can be a stand-alone option or supplement the medicated eye drops. A commonly prescribed medication is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.
MIGS (iStent Implant or OMNI Surgical System)
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) uses microscopic implants and small incisions to lower eye pressure with less risk and faster recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery. Some MIGS procedures are performed on their own, while others can be combined with cataract surgery.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy
A laser is used to create a small hole on the outer edge of the iris for fluid release. This can be used as a preventative measure for people with narrow drainage areas in the eye or to treat existing glaucoma.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective laser trabeculoplasty uses a laser to improve drainage through the eye’s natural drainage system, helping lower eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. The procedure is performed in the office, does not require an incision, and pressure typically improves gradually over the following 1-3 months.
The right treatment(s) for your eyes will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, the severity of your condition and your overall eye health. If you have glaucoma you will need to be regularly monitored to ensure that your treatment is working. By keeping your eye pressure within a normal range for your unique eyes, we may be able to protect your optic nerve from further damage.
