Glaucoma Treatments

Our glaucoma doctors at Tidewater Eye Centers offer the following glaucoma treatment options to reduce eye pressure:

• Medicated eye drops
• Oral medications
• Selective laser trabeculoplasty
• Drainage tubes (shunts)
• Laser peripheral iridotomy
• Trabeculectomy (filtration surgery)

Eye Drops

There are a variety of medicated eye drops that can be prescribed to decrease eye pressure. Your doctor may prescribe drops that increase the outflow of fluid, reduce the production of fluid or drops that achieve both.

Oral Medications

Oral medication can be a stand-alone option or supplement the medicated eye drops. A commonly prescribed medication is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Laser energy is used to clear blocked channels in the trabecular meshwork. Specific cells are treated during this process. The results are not instant; it may take 1-3 months for eye pressure to lower.

Drainage Tubes (Shunts)

A flexible tube is inserted into the drainage area of the eye to promote fluid escape. This is typically done after other methods of treatment have been explored.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

A laser is used to create a small hole on the outer edge of the iris for fluid release. This can be used as a preventative measure for people with narrow drainage areas in the eye or to treat existing glaucoma.

Trabeculectomy (Filtration Surgery)

This is also called conventional glaucoma surgery. A small hole is made in the white of the eye to create a new drainage flap for fluid to drain through at a desired rate.

The right treatment(s) for your eyes will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, the severity of your condition and your overall eye health. If you have glaucoma you will need to be regularly monitored to ensure that your treatment is working. By keeping your eye pressure within a normal range for your unique eyes, we may be able to protect your optic nerve from further damage.