- Treatment options available
- 1. Eye drops
- 2. Pills
- 3. Laser therapy
- 4. Surgery
- Signs of improvement
- Signs of worsening
- Possible complications
Glaucoma is a chronic disease of the eye that leads to increased intraocular pressure, which can result in serious consequences, especially irreversible blindness.
Although there is no cure, the intraocular pressure can be controlled and the symptoms are reduced, with the appropriate treatment. Thus, the ideal is that whenever there is a suspicion of having the disease, consult an ophthalmologist to start the treatment, which may include the use of eye drops, pills or even surgery.
Generally, the doctor needs to start by making an assessment to understand what type of glaucoma, as it can influence the type of treatment:
| Type of Glaucoma | Characteristics |
| Open or chronic angle |
It is the most frequent and usually affects both eyes and causes no symptoms. The drainage channels of the eye are blocked, decreasing the natural drainage of liquid from the eye, with increased pressure in the eye and gradual loss of vision. |
| Closed / narrow or acute angle |
It is the most serious because there is a rapid blockage of the passage of fluid, leading to increased pressure and loss of vision. |
| Congenital |
It is a rare situation where the baby is born with the disease being diagnosed at around 6 months of age. Treatment is only done with surgery. |
| Secondary glaucoma | It is caused by eye injuries such as blows, bleeding, eye tumor, diabetes, cataracts or the use of some medications, such as cortisone, for example. |
Treatment options available
Depending on the type of glaucoma and the intensity of the symptoms, as well as the eye pressure, the ophthalmologist may recommend the following treatments:
1. Eye drops
Eye drops are usually the first treatment option for glaucoma, as they are easy to use and do not require invasive intervention. However, these eye drops need to be used every day, or according to the doctor's instructions, to ensure that the intraocular pressure is well regulated.
The most commonly used eye drops in the treatment of glaucoma are those that lower intraocular pressure, such as Latanoprost or Timolol, but it is also possible for the doctor to indicate an anti-inflammatory drug, such as Prednisolone, to reduce discomfort. in any case, these drugs need to be prescribed by an ophthalmologist, as they have several side effects and cannot be sold without a prescription. Find out more about the main eye drops to treat Glaucoma.
In cases of open-angle glaucoma, eye drops may be sufficient to keep the problem well controlled, but in cases of closed angle, eye drops are usually not enough and, therefore, the ophthalmologist may recommend laser therapy or surgery.
2. Pills
Glaucoma pills can, in some cases, be used in combination with eye drops, as they also help to lower the pressure inside the eye. This type of medication is also more used in cases of open angle glaucoma.
When taking this type of pills, it is necessary to go to the nutritionist to adjust the diet, as there may be a decrease in the absorption of potassium, and it is necessary to increase the consumption of foods such as dried fruits, bananas, raw carrots, tomatoes or radishes, for example.
3. Laser therapy
Laser therapy is usually used when eye drops and pills cannot control intraocular pressure, but before surgery is attempted. This type of technique can be done in the doctor's office and usually lasts between 15 to 20 minutes.
During treatment, the ophthalmologist points a laser at the drainage system of the eye, in order to make small changes that allow an improvement in the withdrawal of fluid. Since the result can take 3 to 4 weeks to appear, the doctor can schedule several evaluations to be evaluated over time.
4. Surgery
The use of surgery is more common in cases of closed-angle glaucoma, as the use of eye drops and medication may not be sufficient to control intraocular pressure. However, surgery can also be used in any other case, when the treatment is not having the expected effect.
The most common type of surgery is known as trabeculectomy and consists of making a small opening in the white part of the eye, creating a channel for the fluid in the eye to exit and lowering the eye pressure.
After surgery, many patients can go several months without needing to use any type of medication and, even when they do, the control of intraocular pressure is easier. However, this does not mean that the disease is cured, it is advisable to maintain regular visits to the ophthalmologist.
Watch the following video and get a better understanding of what glaucoma is and how the treatment is done:
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement can take up to 7 days to appear and usually include reduced redness of the eyes, decreased pain in the eyes and relief from nausea and vomiting.
Signs of worsening
The signs of worsening are more frequent in patients who do not do the treatment properly and include increased difficulty in seeing.
Possible complications
The main complication is blindness, which arises due to permanent damage to the eye caused by increased pressure. However, other complications include floaters and tunnel vision.
