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There is no cure currently available for glaucoma and vision loss from the disease cannot be regained. However there are effective treatments available that can halt further vision loss. Listed below are some treatment options one could consider. |
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USE OF EYE DROPS
The pressure could be reduced significantly with the use of medication, usually in the form of eye drops. These medication contain are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or beta-blockers which reduces the production of fluid in the eyes, thus reducing the pressure accumulation in the eyes.
Despite whether one feels discomfort or not, one has to stick to recommended prescription if not it would lead to further vision loss. People on medication usually have to depend on it for the rest of their lives. There could be side effects with these medications. One would need to consult his or her doctor on how to manage these side effects. Doctors might recommend a change in dosage or change the entire medication altogether.
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Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)
This laser treatment option could be used to treat Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. What this procedure does is that it stimulates an opening in the trabecular meshwork, hence allowing more outflow of the fluid. This is considered a temporary solution and patients might have to come back once every 2 – 5 years for this procedure.
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Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
This is the latest technique available in treating Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. It works in the same fashion as the ALT. However, this laser specifically targets melanin pigment in the trabecular meshwork. Moreover, the laser produces a beam which is smaller, hence allowing more focused and precise aim at a specific spot. Unlike the ALT which can only be used once, this procedure is allowed to be repeated 3 – 4 times.
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Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
This procedure is usually conducted on patients suffering from Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma. In this procedure, a laser is used to make a small opening all the way through in the iris. This is to facilitate the flow of fluid and hence equalising the pressure.
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Laser Cyclophotocoagulation
In this procedure, a laser is pointed at the sclera, which is the white portion of your eye. The laser passes through the sclera to the ciliary body and damages it. This results in the decreased production of aqueous humour, hence successfully reducing the build-up of pressure in the eyes. This is done under local anaesthesia.
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Trabeculectomy
It is a surgical procedure whereby part of the eye’s trabecular meshwork is removed together with adjacent structures. This increases the flow of fluid and prevents the accumulation of pressure in the eyes which would destroy sensitive fibres of the optic nerve. It allows the drainage of aqueous humour from within the eye to the place where it is absorbed, which is beneath the conjunctiva. This procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia.
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Glaucoma Drainage Implants
Glaucoma Drainage Implants are most commonly known as Glaucoma vales. These valves are inserted surgically into a patient’s eyes. This device works by bypassing the trabecular meshwork and it redirects the flow of fluid through a small tube into the sub-conjunctival space, which is also known as a bleb. This reduces the accumulation of pressure in the eyes.
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