How Is Glaucoma Treated?
While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed to prevent further vision loss. The primary goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to reduce stress on the optic nerve.
At our clinic, treatment options may include:
- Prescription eye drops – These are often the first line of treatment and work by either reducing fluid production in the eye or improving its drainage.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – A gentle, in-office laser procedure that improves fluid drainage in the eye and can help lower eye pressure, often reducing or eliminating the need for drops.
- Ongoing monitoring and imaging – We use advanced tools to track nerve health and vision changes over time, ensuring treatment remains effective.
Every patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique condition and risk level. Regular follow-up care is essential to protecting vision and preventing progression.
Why Does Glaucoma Happen?
Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure and damaging the optic nerve. However, not all types of glaucoma involve high eye pressure—some patients can develop normal-tension glaucoma, where optic nerve damage occurs despite “normal” pressure levels.
Risk factors include:
- Age (especially over 60)
- Family history of glaucoma
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Diabetes
- History of eye injury or surgery
The most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma, but other types include angle-closure glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma (rare).
How Do We Test for Glaucoma?
At our clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect early signs of glaucoma and monitor for progression over time. These include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides detailed imaging of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, allowing us to detect even subtle changes in nerve health.
- Optos widefield imaging – Gives us a comprehensive view of the retina to assess for structural changes and other underlying eye conditions.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement – Assesses the fluid pressure inside the eye, an important risk factor for glaucoma.
- Visual field testing – Measures peripheral vision loss, which is often the first functional sign of glaucoma.
- Corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry) – Helps refine pressure readings and assess individual risk.
Our clinic emphasizes early detection and regular monitoring to help preserve vision and intervene as soon as needed.