Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Eye Health

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, prompt treatment is necessary to preserve your sight, as the condition can lead to irreversible vision loss. One of the most common treatments for glaucoma is prescription eye drops that help lower intraocular pressure.

Although they can be very effective at treating glaucoma, they often require you to use them multiple times a day and adhere to a strict application schedule. This leads many patients to explore other treatment options for the condition.

Keep reading to learn more about what glaucoma treatment options are available besides eye drops.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition typically resulting from fluid buildup in the front of the eye. When this occurs, it increases intraocular or eye pressure and can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

The aqueous humor is a fluid that consistently flows in and out of the eye. In patients with glaucoma, this fluid does not exit through the eye’s drainage angle like it should, raising intraocular pressure.

There are two main types of glaucoma, including:

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Around 90% of people with glaucoma have open-angle glaucoma. It is characterized by resistance buildup in the drainage angle of your eye, which increases eye pressure.

It often does not present with symptoms until it has begun to cause vision loss, making it difficult to diagnose. However, some patients may notice blind spots in their peripheral vision.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the drainage angle between your iris and cornea is too small and blocks the flow of fluid completely. This causes a sudden rise in intraocular pressure and can lead to symptoms like:

  • Blurred vision
  • Severe headaches, forehead pain, or eye pain
  • Seeing rainbows or halos
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Eyes turning red

An angle-closure glaucoma attack is a medical emergency and requires immediate care, so you should seek medical attention right away if you begin experiencing these symptoms. If not treated quickly, it can cause rapid and permanent vision loss.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Because glaucoma often does not present with symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred, comprehensive eye exams are crucial to early detection and treatment. Your eye doctor at Associates in Ophthalmology will perform a variety of tests to screen for glaucoma, including:

  • Checking your eye pressure
  • Testing your peripheral vision
  • Taking a photo of your optic nerve and assessing it for damage
  • Examining the drainage angle of your eye
  • Measuring the thickness of your corneas

Attending regular eye exams can help protect your vision from glaucoma and give you the chance to begin treatment before permanent vision loss has occurred.

Are There Other Glaucoma Treatments Besides Eye Drops?

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, prescription eye drops are often the first line of treatment. They can help by reducing the amount of aqueous humor your eye makes or helping it flow more efficiently through the drainage angle.

However, prescription eye drops are not for everyone. They may not be suited for patients with more severe glaucoma or patients who cannot adhere to applying the drops regularly.

Some patients with glaucoma benefit from other approaches, like:

Lifestyle Changes

While lifestyle changes alone cannot stop glaucoma, certain habits can help you maintain a healthier intraocular pressure. Dietary changes may include eating a diet high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids while cutting out things like caffeine.

If you lead an active lifestyle, discuss your exercise habits with your eye doctor, as certain workouts can raise intraocular pressure while others help lower it.

Trabeculoplasty

Trabeculoplasty is a laser procedure that helps treat open-angle glaucoma. It involves using a specialized laser to improve the drainage angle of your eye, reducing intraocular pressure.

Iridotomy

Iridotomy is a laser procedure specifically for patients with angle-closure glaucoma. It uses a laser to make a small hole in your iris, allowing fluid to flow through the drainage angle.

Do you want to explore more treatment options for glaucoma? Schedule an appointment at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ, today!