Glaucoma Treatments
Although there is no medical cure for glaucoma, the condition can be treated and managed to help slow vision loss and preserve your vision. The earlier your condition is diagnosed the more effective treatment will be.
Our Southern Idaho glaucoma doctors offer the following glaucoma treatment options to reduce eye pressure:
- Medicated eye drops
- Oral medications
- XEN® Gel Stents
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Drainage tubes (shunts)
- Laser peripheral iridotomy
- Trabeculectomy (filtration surgery)
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Eye Drops
There are a variety of medicated eye drops that can be prescribed to decrease eye pressure. Your doctor may prescribe drops that increase the outflow of fluid, reduce the production of fluid, or drops that achieve both.
Oral Medications
Oral medication can be a stand-alone option or supplement the medicated eye drops. A commonly prescribed medication is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Laser energy is used to clear blocked channels in the trabecular meshwork. Specific cells are treated during the process. The results are not instant; it may take 1-3 months for eye pressure to lower.
XEN® Gel Stents
The XEN Gel Stent is a small tube that is permanently inserted into the eye, under the conjunctiva of the eye (clear membrane that covers the white of the eye). Once inserted, it becomes soft and flexible, helping to create a drainage channel in the eye and lower eye pressure.
Drainage Tubes (Shunts)
A flexible tube is inserted into the drainage area of the eye to promote fluid escape. This is typically done after other methods of treatment have been explored. SLTis now offered as a First Line treatment and it can be repeated if necessary.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy
A laser is used to create a small hole on the outer edge of the iris for fluid release. This can be used as a preventative measure for people with narrow drainage areas in the eye or to treat existing glaucoma.
Trabeculectomy (Filtration Surgery)
This is also called conventional glaucoma surgery. A small hole is made in the white of the eye to create a new drainage flap for fluid to drain through at a desired rate.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
We may recommend a MIGS procedure to increase the flow of fluids from your eye, lower your intraocular pressure, and protect your optic nerve. There are several different procedures that fall under this category, but all require only tiny incisions and cause less trauma to the eye than other types of surgeries. The MIGS procedure may be done with a microscopic tube inserted into the eye to drain fluid (microtrabeculectomy), placing a tiny stent into the trabecular meshwork, inserting tiny shunts (tubes) into the eye, or using laser treatment procedures.
The right treatment(s) for your eyes will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, the severity of your condition, and your overall eye health. If you have glaucoma you will need to be regularly monitored to ensure that your treatment is working. By keeping your eye pressure within a normal range for your unique eyes, we may be able to protect your optic nerve from further damage.
To learn more about the glaucoma treatment options available, contact us today to schedule an eye exam.
