What are my treatment options for Glaucoma in Columbus, Ohio?

Glaucoma is a dangerous eye condition that can eventually lead to blindness. There are two types of glaucoma known as open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Both types increase eye pressure and affect the optic nerve. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, is often not recognized until permanent damage has been done. With today’s modern medicine, a variety of treatments are available for glaucoma. Doctors may prescribe only one treatment or may use a combination of treatments for the best results.

Medications are the easiest treatment because they are simple to use and do not require any anxiety-producing procedures. Eye drops can reduce the pressure within the eye. Eye drops must be used exactly as prescribed to reduce the amount of medication that gets into the bloodstream and to increase the amount of medication kept in the eye. Individuals using eye drops for glaucoma should keep their eyes closed for approximately two minutes after using the drops and should place the index finger at the corner of the eye near the nose to keep the drops from draining through the tear ducts. Eye drops typically create a brief stinging sensation.

Oral medications may also be used. They decrease eye pressure by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye. However, individuals using these medications may notice more numerous systemic side effects.

However, many times, surgery is needed. Laser surgery is typically the first step because it is easy and allows individuals to resume their normal activities quickly. A laser beam is used to change the eye’s drainage system to allow eye fluid to drain normally and thus decrease the pressure within the eye. Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty is often used in open-angle glaucoma but can only be performed two to three times in one’s lifetime. The newer selective laser trabeculoplasty uses lower levels of radiation and can be done safely as many times as is needed. If laser surgery does not successfully treat glaucoma, doctors may turn to traditional surgeries, including trabeculectomies and drainage implant surgeries. Some patients still need to take medications following surgery.

Those living in and around Columbus, Ohio, will find that they have all of these treatment methods available to them. A professional eye doctor will be able to explain treatment methods as well as possible side effects with the patient. The key of every treatment is to decrease eye pressure to prevent blindness.