Glaucoma: can it be treated?
Although there is no cure for glaucoma it can usually be controlled and further loss of sight either prevented or at least slowed down.
Treatments include the following.
- Eyedrops — these are the most common form of treatment and must be used regularly. In some cases pills are prescribed. The drops can be varied to best suit the patient and the type of glaucoma.
- Laser (laser trabeculoplasty) — this is performed when eyedrops do not stop deterioration in the field of vision. In many cases eyedrops will need to be continued after laser. Laser does not require a hospital stay.
- Surgery (trabeculectomy) — this is performed usually after eyedrops and laser have failed to control the eye pressure. A new channel for the fluid to leave the eye is created.
Treatment can save remaining vision but it does not improve eyesight.
Last Reviewed: 28 June 2007
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Related Topics
Glaucoma
Related Links
Glaucoma Australia 
