- Eye drop medications: Basically there are four classes of commonly used medications. Most patients’ glaucoma can be well controlled on one to two types of medications.
- Laser treatment: There are two kinds frequently done for open-angled glaucoma. They are called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT). Both work equally well but the SLT is repeatable. Laser treatment can be used as primary therapy instead of starting a drop medication and usually works as well as a drop medication.
- Surgery: Surgery for glaucoma is usually quite effective and can allow one to get off of medications in some cases. Surgery is usually reserved for advanced and uncontrolled cases and for those people who cannot afford their medications. The two common types of surgery are called the trabeculectomy (“trab”) and the glaucoma drainage device (“tube”); both procedures bypass the eyes fluid so it can drain.
Treatment Options
