Can Glaucoma be Treated? Treatment Options for Glaucoma Explained

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that can damage the optic nerve and lead to gradual vision loss. The condition occurs when there is a blockage in the drainage channel at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. When fluid cannot be drained properly, it builds up pressure in the eye and damages the optic nerve over time.

The symptoms of glaucoma can vary based on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Blind spots in your peripheral or central vision
• Tunnel Vision (In advanced stages of Glaucoma)
• Severe Headaches
• Pain in and around the Eye
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• “Halos” around lights and sources of light

If left untreated, Glaucoma will eventually lead to blindness. Around 15% of those diagnosed with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.

Glaucoma is a dangerous and sight-threatening condition that can be difficult to identify. It is one of the primary causes of blindness in those aged 60+, but it can happen at any age.

Glaucoma is a tricky condition because it’s hard to catch in the beginning stages, however, if you do experience any symptoms, it is imperative that you see an emergency room or eye doctor immediately. The earlier Glaucoma is caught, the better chance you have of saving your vision.

What causes Glaucoma to develop?

The fluid that is produced by the eye, known as Aqueous Humour, provides nutrition and keeps the eye pressurised. Aqueous Humour flows through the trabecular meshwork and a drainage channel.

Glaucoma occurs when this drainage channel becomes blocked or when too much fluid is produced and it can’t flow efficiently. The fluid becomes trapped and fills up the eye, increasing pressure and eventually causing damage to the optic nerve.

The exact reason for the drainage channel becoming blocked is not known, but it can be inherited.

Some of the rarer causes of Glaucoma include an injury to the eye from a blunt object or chemicals, a severe infection, and blocked blood vessels within the eye. Additionally, inflammatory conditions can also cause Glaucoma.

Risk factors of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is most common in adults over the age of 40, but can also affect young adults, children and infants. In some cases, Glaucoma may be passed down from parent to child.

Several groups are more at risk of being affected by Glaucoma, these include:

• Those of African-American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit and Scandanavian descent.
• Anyone over the age of 40
• People who have a family history of glaucoma
• Those who are either nearsighted or farsighted
• Poor or sub-optimal vision
• People with diabetes
• People who take certain medications for Seizures, Bladder Control and/or Diabetes
• Those who have had an injury to one or both eyes
• Those who have corneas that are thinner than usual
• People with high blood pressure, heart disease or sickle cell anaemia

What are the Treatment Options for Glaucoma?

The 4 most common treatments for Glaucoma include Eye drops, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, Deep Sclerectomy and Trabeculectomy. You don’t need to understand these terms to be treated for glaucoma, as your ophthalmologist will suggest the best course of action and explain the details during consultation.

A quick breakdown of each of the treatment options.

Eye Drops

Eye Drops are usually the first treatment provided. These are intended to reduce elevated intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve. To achieve this, the eye drops can help the fluid drain more effectively or reduce the amount of fluid produced, depending on which eye drops you are given.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Commonly referred to as SLT, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty uses a laser that works at very low energy levels. SLT treats specific cells “selectively” leaving the untreated portions of the trabecular meshwork intact and helping fluid drain more effectively, helping alleviate pressure.

If the Eye Drops are ineffective, this is an option for further treatment. Although SLT can not restore any vision that has previously been lost, it may help preserve your current sight.

Deep sclerectomy

A sclerectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of the sclera (the white of your eye) to assist with drainage and reduce eye pressure. This forms a “filtration membrane” that acts as a sort of trap door for drainage. This allows the fluid to drain slowly and maintain pressure, it is then sealed with microscopic stitches

A Deep sclerectomy requires a meticulous technique. However, its efficacy and low rate of complications make it a very appealing option to patients.

Find out more about the deep sclerectomy process

Trabeculectomy

A Trabeculectomy is a procedure that helps with the drainage of fluid by creating a new pathway for fluid to drain from the eye. It involves creating a small flap in the white of the eye and then tunnelling underneath the flap to reach the inside of the eye. Once inside, a small incision will be made in the trabecular meshwork, which is the network of tissue that helps to regulate fluid drainage in the eye. By creating this new drainage pathway, fluid can flow out of the eye more easily, lowering intraocular pressure and reducing the risk of damage to the optic nerve.

Trabeculectomy is often considered the go-to treatment for Glaucoma because it works well for most patients. Although the risks are slightly higher than deep sclerectomy, they remain low overall.

What are the risks of Glaucoma Treatment?

Surgery for Glaucoma could put you at a higher risk of developing cataracts later on. There are a few potential side effects you should consider before going into surgery. While our surgeons are highly qualified and have performed these treatments several times before. There will always be a small risk.

Risks include:

• Eye Pain or Redness
• Fluctuation in pressure (too high or too low)
• Loss of vision
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Bleeding in your eye

Glaucoma surgery can’t restore the vision you have already lost, but can help save your sight as it is. You should take regular eye exams to ensure that the surgery remains successful and to ensure there are no further complications.

Glaucoma Treatment Options with EyeDoctor

At Eyedoctor, we offer three effective glaucoma treatment options: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, Deep Slerectomy and Trabeculectomy. We will work with you to determine which option is best for your individual needs.

For more information about the Glaucoma treatment options we provide, visit our Glaucoma treatment page or get in touch with us through our contact form.

If you are showing any symptoms of Glaucoma, it is important to book an eye test as soon as possible. The earlier glaucoma is discovered, the better chance we have of preserving your vision.