Glaucoma is a condition in which there is an increase in eye pressure. This increased pressure damages the nerve that is connected to the eyeball, resulting in slow vision loss. There are two types of glaucoma which can be diagnosed by your optometrist: open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle glaucoma has no side-effects other than gradual vision loss, but angle-closure glaucoma may be accompanied by nausea, pain, and blurred vision. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are a number of treatments available to help prevent the progression of the disease. 

4 Ways in Which Glaucoma is Treated

1. Pills

Your vision care specialist may prescribe oral medications which are taken two to four times a day. These medications help to lessen the production of fluid and minimize pressure in the eye. These pills can have side-effects, though, so inform your eye doctor of any other drugs you may be taking to minimize any risks.

2. Eye Drops

Some optometrists prescribe eye drops in lieu of pills and other medications. These eye drops are less potent than oral medications, but they also work to reduce fluid and ocular pressure.

3. Laser Surgery

For patients who are not seeing the desired results after taking medications and using eye drops, an eye doctor may propose laser surgery. During this painless, 10 to 15 minute procedure, a laser beam is directed into the eye drain, subtly altering the drainage system. As a result, the eye becomes more effective at draining fluid which relieves inter-ocular pressure.

4. Traditional Eye Surgery

When laser surgery and other interventions are not enough, some optometrists recommend traditional eye surgery, otherwise known as a trabeculectomy. During this procedure, a small opening is made in the white of the eye to allow fluid to drain more effectively. Surgery is generally successful, with over 50% of patients no longer needing any glaucoma medications. Of those who still require some medications, 40% note a significant improvement in their inter-ocular pressure. 

If you are worried that you may be suffering from glaucoma and would like to schedule an eye exam, the optometrists from Clear Vision Center in Brooklyn, NY, are here for you. They are committed to ensuring optimum well-being for all of their patients. Give them a call today at (718) 771-0078 to schedule an appointment. For a full list of their services, visit them online.