Glaucoma can be treated but not cured. Drops and sometimes operations can stabilise the glaucoma, and, with regular check-ups, you will be able to manage the condition. You may experience some degree of sight loss but it will be minimised with effective treatment.

The aim of treatment is to lower the pressure within the eye and prevent further damage to the optic nerve and visual loss. Because treatment can only control, not cure, the condition, it must be continued throughout life.

Eye drops

The first form of treatment is usually eye drops, a fluid form of medicine for the eye which lowers the eye pressure. Putting drops in properly and as prescribed is essential to try to prevent any further sight loss.

Tablets

Tablets of acetazolamide (Diamox®) or dichlorphenamide (Daranide®) may be given to patients. These reduce the amount of aqueous produced within the eye, taking the pressure off the back of the eye.

Surgery

In some forms of glaucoma an operation may be necessary. The most common operation is a trabeculectomy, where a small piece of tissue is removed to make a new opening for the aqueous fluid to escape from the eye. The escaping fluid is absorbed into the tissues that form the outer coat of the eye.

Laser treatment

This procedure is usually quick and causes little discomfort. No general anaesthetic is required and there is no need for an overnight stay in hospital. The success of this type of treatment varies from person to person, and it may be necessary to continue using eye drops after laser treatment, though often at a lower dose.

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