Being diagnosed with glaucoma can understandably raise concerns about whether surgery will be necessary. The good news is that glaucoma can often be managed using a range of treatments, and surgery is not always the first option.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, your eye pressure, the health of your optic nerve and how your condition responds to treatment.
Can glaucoma be treated with eye drops?
For many people, prescription eye drops are an important part of glaucoma management. Different types of drops can help lower intraocular pressure, either by reducing the amount of fluid produced inside the eye or helping fluid drain more effectively.
Using glaucoma medication consistently is important. Your ophthalmologist will monitor your eye pressure and optic nerve to determine whether your current treatment is controlling the condition effectively.
What about laser treatment?
Laser treatment can be another option for some people with glaucoma. Depending on the type of glaucoma, different laser procedures may be considered to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye or reduce pressure.
Laser treatment is not suitable for everyone, so a specialist assessment is needed to determine whether it could be appropriate for you.
When might surgery be considered?
If eye drops or laser treatment are not controlling the glaucoma sufficiently, your ophthalmologist may discuss surgical options. These can include traditional glaucoma surgery as well as newer minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).
MIGS refers to a range of techniques and devices designed to reduce intraocular pressure using minimally invasive approaches.
The aim of glaucoma treatment is to protect the optic nerve and reduce the risk of further vision loss. Glaucoma damage cannot currently be reversed, which is why early diagnosis, regular monitoring and appropriate treatment are so important.
Finding the right glaucoma treatment
There is no single treatment that is right for every patient. Your ophthalmologist will consider your individual diagnosis, eye pressure, optic nerve health and lifestyle before recommending a treatment plan.
At Harley Street Eye Hospital, glaucoma treatment can include medication, laser treatment and surgical procedures, with treatment tailored to the individual patient.
If you have glaucoma or have been told that your eye pressure is elevated, a specialist assessment can help you understand your options and whether treatment without surgery may be appropriate.
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