How is Glaucoma Treated?
The very best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma is early diagnosis. We recommend you visit your eye doctor at least every two years for a complete examination, including a pressure check and examination of the optic nerve. People at high risk for glaucoma may need more frequent visits to the eye doctor.
Glaucoma treatment (for any form) entails decreasing aqueous humor production, increasing fluid drainage, or a combination of the two. These treatments will not restore any vision already lost to glaucoma, but it can prevent further loss.
Eye Drops
The most common treatment for glaucoma is the use of medications in the form of eye drops. Some of these medications allow for faster drainage of fluid from the eye, while others reduce the production of fluid. Most cases of glaucoma are controlled with a single medication, or a combination, but some patients may require or select surgery.
Glaucoma Laser Surgery
Glaucoma laser surgery for open angle glaucoma (trabeculoplasty) is a procedure where a laser allows more aqueous fluid to flow through the tiny holes where the cornea and iris meet, called trabecular meshwork. This increases the natural aqueous humor drainage. We generally perform glaucoma laser surgery on an outpatient basis with a rapid recovery and minor discomfort. Glaucoma surgery is designed to either enhance the natural drainage outflow or create a new drainage pathway within the eye and is reserved for patients who have progressive nerve damage that are not responding to drops or laser treatments.
DURYSTA®
DURYSTA® is a prescription medicine and drug delivery system that is used to lower eye pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure in the eye increases, leading to progressive damage of the optic nerve causing constriction of the peripheral vision and ultimately blindness if left untreated. It is important to have regular eye exams and to monitor the fluid pressure in your eyes.
DURYSTA® is a small implant of medication placed directly inside the eye. A single implant is sufficient in most patients for one year or longer. This implant dissolves over time and releases medicine to help reduce eye pressure. Like any procedure there are risks and benefits to weigh before proceeding. If you have high eye pressure and find it hard to apply eye drops or keep forgetting to use them, Durysta could be a beneficial solution for you.
Surgery
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a relatively new type of glaucoma surgery that is designed to reduce eye pressure and improve vision. The surgery is performed through a tiny incision, often without the need for sutures, and is less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery. MIGS can be a good option for those who are not responding to medications and are looking for a safer, more effective alternative to traditional surgery. This page will provide you with an overview of MIGS and discuss how it can help you manage your glaucoma.
Glaucoma can be treated and can be controlled. Maintain your eye health with regular visits to your eye doctor. Please click here to learn more about glaucoma as an eye disorder.
To schedule an appointment for an eye exam and glaucoma screening, please call Milwaukee Eye Care at 414-271-2020.
