Managing Glaucoma: Treatment Options to Protect Your Vision

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and even blindness. While there is no cure, early intervention and proper management can help slow its progression and protect your vision.
 

Medications for Glaucoma Management

Prescription eye drops are often the first line of defense against glaucoma. These medications work by either reducing fluid production in the eye or improving its drainage to lower intraocular pressure. Some commonly prescribed medications include:

• Prostaglandin Analogs – Help increase fluid drainage and lower IOP effectively. Examples include latanoprost and bimatoprost.

• Beta Blockers – Reduce fluid production in the eye to lower pressure. Timolol is a widely used beta-blocker.

• Alpha Agonists – Decrease fluid production and increase drainage. Brimonidine is a common alpha agonist.

• Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors – Reduce the amount of fluid the eye produces, available as eye drops or oral medications. Examples include dorzolamide and acetazolamide.

• Rho Kinase Inhibitors – Work by relaxing the eye’s drainage system to help reduce pressure. Netarsudil is one such medication.
   

Since each patient’s condition is unique, our optometrist will determine the best medication based on your specific needs and how well your eyes respond to treatment.
 

Laser Therapy for Glaucoma

If eye drops alone do not provide sufficient control over intraocular pressure (IOP), laser therapy may be recommended as an alternative or supplemental treatment. These minimally invasive procedures are performed in an outpatient setting and work by enhancing the eye’s natural drainage system or reducing fluid production to help lower pressure.
 

Laser therapy is a valuable option for individuals who have difficulty managing their condition with medications alone or require additional intervention to prevent further optic nerve damage. While results vary, many patients experience long-term benefits and a reduced reliance on eye drops. Our optometrist can determine whether this approach is suitable based on the severity and progression of the disease.
 

Surgical Treatment for Advanced Glaucoma

For patients whose glaucoma continues to progress despite medications and laser therapy, surgical intervention may be necessary. Glaucoma surgery aims to create new drainage pathways or enhance existing ones to control intraocular pressure.
 

• Trabeculectomy – A surgical procedure that creates a new drainage channel in the eye to lower pressure.

• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – A newer category of procedures designed to be safer and less invasive than traditional surgery. MIGS options include iStent, Hydrus Microstent, and Xen Gel Stent.
   

Glaucoma surgery is generally considered when other treatments fail to provide adequate pressure control, and the risk of vision loss increases.
 

Protect Your Vision with Proactive Glaucoma Care

Managing glaucoma requires a proactive approach with regular eye exams and adherence to treatment recommendations. The best course of action depends on the severity of the disease and individual risk factors.
 

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk, schedule an eye exam with Modern iCare Optometry to protect your eyesight. Visit our office in Palm Desert, California, or call (760) 674-7272 to book an appointment today.