Although there is no cure for glaucoma, it can usually be adequately managed with medication or surgical treatment. The medication available today can treat glaucoma more successfully, requiring fewer individuals to undergo surgery.
Only your eye doctor can establish the adequacy of glaucoma control, and regular follow-up is required to ensure that the glaucoma control is at its optimum.
1 / Laser Treatment
Certain forms of glaucoma, particularly angle-closure glaucoma, can benefit from laser treatment (iridotomy). Here, a laser is used to create a small opening in the iris (the coloured portion of the eye) to allow fluid to drain. It is a simple out-patient treatment that takes only a few minutes to get done. As a precautionary step, the procedure is done for both eyes.
2 / Glaucoma Surgery
When medication is inadequate for glaucoma control, especially for those with advanced glaucoma, surgical treatment may be required. In trabeculectomy, a traditional glaucoma surgery, a bypass channel is created to allow fluid to exit the eye in order to lower internal eye pressure. An external tube implant may be inserted for those who have had previous trabeculectomies that failed or who have complex glaucoma conditions. These are major procedures with significant risks, therefore they are mostly recommended for those with uncontrolled glaucoma.
3 / Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma surgical treatments have been developed to help those with mild to moderate glaucoma control their eye pressure. Due to the risks involved with traditional glaucoma surgery, the minimally invasive glaucoma system (MIGS) is a favourable surgical alternative.
This technique is less invasive, has a higher safety profile with fewer issues, and has a faster recovery period. However, there is a trade-off in the degree of pressure lowering control with increased safety, which is why it is recommended for individuals with mild to moderate glaucoma and not suited for severe cases.
Prevention
Implement simple self-care practices to help prevent or slow down the progression of glaucoma.
1. Regular eye screening and monitoring: Comprehensive eye examinations can aid in the early diagnosis of glaucoma. It is recommended that adults over the age of 45 have their eyes checked regularly for glaucoma.
2. Use eyedrops as directed: The majority of those with glaucoma is given medication to treat the disease. The risk of progressive nerve damage is considerably minimised with the regular use of glaucoma eyedrops.
Determine the Best Possible Treatment With Early Glaucoma Screening
During the early stages of glaucoma, most people have only minor symptoms and are unaware of it until it has progressively developed into its advanced stages. Glaucoma eye screening is extremely important in detecting the condition early and initiating the best possible treatment.