Treating Glaucoma

Treatment can prevent or limit vision loss from glaucoma. The goal of treatment is to control glaucoma by lowering eye pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve. Your eye care provider can advise what treatment is best for you. You may need to have exams more often to watch the condition. Medicines and procedures are often used for treatment.

Medicines to lower eye pressure

Eye drops and pills may be used to lower eye pressure. Some medicines reduce the amount of fluid your eyes make. Others increase drainage of fluid from the eyes. Use your medicines every day as directed. Don't stop taking them, even if you have no symptoms. If you do stop taking them, eye pressure can rise rapidly and damage your vision. If the medicines cause side effects, talk with your eye care provider.

Procedures to improve eye drainage

In some cases of glaucoma, other procedures are used to improve eye drainage:

• Lasers can be used to increase drainage.

• If other treatments don't work, surgery may be advised.