Glaucoma is one of the most common eye conditions to affect adults. Here at First Eye Care, we proudly offer a wide range of treatment options designed to help people dealing with glaucoma regain their vision, if possible. Glaucoma is defined as a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and blindness in some extreme cases. The good news is that, if caught early, glaucoma can be treated and no permanent damage will ensue. For this reason we encourage you to contact First Eye Care at the very first signs of glaucoma. Because this disease can get worse at a rapid pace, it is imperative you understand what the most common signs of glaucoma are. If you are unsure, please contact First Eye Care so one of our experienced team members can schedule an appointment and help you determine what the problem is. If detected early, you will often be able to save your eyes from serious vision loss. Unfortunately, glaucoma is permanent and cannot be reversed. However, both medicine and surgery can work to stop further damage.
The treatment options available for glaucoma at First Eye Care are:
- Medication
- Laser Surgery
- Traditional Surgery
Let’s now take a closer look at each. As always, if you have any questions about the information on this page or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable optometrists to discuss your glaucoma treatment options, please do not hesitate to ask. It is the goal of our optometrist team to help patients of all ages find the right solutions and treatments for whatever vision-related contradictions they are experiencing.
Medication
One of the most common treatment options for those suffering from glaucoma is medication, namely eye drops. Glaucoma eye drops are used on a daily basis and work to reduce the amount of aqueous fluid produced by the eye. Please keep in mind there are various side effects associated with these eye drops, such as stinging and itching, red eyes or red skin around the eyes, changes in pulse and heart beat, changes in energy level, and dry mouth. Some of the most common types of glaucoma eye drops include:
- Prostaglandins
- Beta-blockers
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
- Parasympathomimetics
- Epinephrine
- Hyperosmotic agents
- Combination glaucoma drugs
For specific brands or more information about these medications, please contact First Eye Care today.
Laser Surgery
In some cases, your optometrist may suggest laser surgery to treat glaucoma. This surgery is designed to help aqueous drain from the eye, which is one of the main symptoms of glaucoma. There are typically two types of laser surgery used for glaucoma: trabeculoplasty (for those who have open-angle glaucoma) and iridotomy (for those with angle-closure glaucoma)
Traditional Surgery
If outpatient surgery is not an option, surgery performed in an operating room may be necessary. This is usually the case if a new drainage channel is needed in order for the aqueous humor to exit the eye.
For more information on the different treatment options for glaucoma, please contact First Eye Care today. Our North Arlington optometrist team is here to answer any questions you may have and help ease your mind about what comes next.