Glaucoma Treatment: What Works and How to Choose

Glaucoma can sneak up on you, but the good news is there are several ways to keep eye pressure down and save your vision. The first step is a proper diagnosis from an eye doctor – they’ll measure the pressure inside your eye and check the optic nerve. Once that’s done, you’ll have a treatment plan that usually starts with medication and moves to laser or surgery if needed.

Eye Drops: The Everyday Solution

Most people start with prescription eye drops. These are designed to either reduce the fluid your eye makes or help it drain faster. Common classes include prostaglandin analogs, beta‑blockers, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. They’re easy to use, but you have to be consistent. Missing a dose can cause pressure spikes, so set a reminder on your phone or keep the bottle where you see it every day.

When Drops Aren’t Enough: Laser and Surgery

If eye drops don’t keep the pressure in check, doctors may suggest laser therapy. A laser trabeculoplasty opens up the drainage channels, often lowering pressure with just a quick office visit. For more advanced cases, surgery such as trabeculectomy or a newer minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) can provide a longer‑term solution. Recovery time varies, but most patients get back to normal activities within a week.

Besides medical options, lifestyle tweaks can help. Regular exercise, especially aerobic activities, can lower eye pressure a bit. A balanced diet rich in leafy greens and omega‑3s supports overall eye health. Avoiding smoking and limiting caffeine also makes a difference.

Watch out for side effects. Some drops may cause redness, dryness, or a bit of blurry vision right after use. If you notice persistent irritation or vision changes, call your eye doctor right away. They can adjust the dose or switch to a different medication.

Sticking to follow‑up appointments is crucial. Your doctor will check pressure levels and decide if you need to tweak the treatment. Even if you feel fine, glaucoma can still progress silently, so regular check‑ups are the only way to stay ahead.

In short, glaucoma treatment starts simple with eye drops, moves to laser if needed, and ends with surgery for tougher cases. Keep a routine, watch for side effects, and never skip your appointments. By staying on top of the plan, you give your eyes the best chance to stay healthy for years to come.