Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Early treatment is essential to prevent vision loss. The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower IOP and preserve vision.
1.
Eye Drops: These are usually the first line of treatment. Medications like prostaglandin analogs e.g.,
bimatoprost eye drops
And beta-blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors help reduce fluid production or increase its outflow from the eye.
2.Oral Medications In some cases, doctors may prescribe oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide) to quickly lower eye pressure.
3.
Laser Therapy: Laser trabeculoplasty is commonly used for open-angle glaucoma to improve fluid drainage. For angle-closure glaucoma, laser iridotomy creates a small hole in the iris to relieve pressure.
4.
Surgery: When medications and laser treatments are not effective, surgical options like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may be considered. These procedures create new drainage paths for the eye fluid.
5.
Lifestyle Management: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and eye protection may help slow progression.
Early detection through regular eye exams is key, as glaucoma often shows no symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
