Glaucoma Treatment – What Works Best?

If you’ve just heard the word ‘glaucoma’, your first thought might be panic. Don’t worry – most people manage it with the right plan. The goal is simple: keep eye pressure low enough to protect the optic nerve. Below are the everyday tools that actually work.

Medication and Eye Drops

The backbone of any glaucoma regimen is prescription eye drops. They come in three main families:

• Prostaglandin analogues – like latanoprost, they boost fluid outflow and are used once a day.
• Beta‑blockers – such as timolol, these lower production of eye fluid.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors – dorzolamide fits here, helping both production and drainage.

Pick the drop that matches your pressure level and side‑effect tolerance. Most patients start with one type; if pressure stays high, doctors add another. Remember to set a reminder on your phone – missing a dose can let pressure creep back up.

Laser Therapy, Surgery & Lifestyle

When drops aren’t enough, laser and surgical options step in.

Laser trabeculoplasty uses a quick pulse to improve drainage. It’s outpatient, painless, and often delays the need for surgery. Selective laser (SLT) can be repeated if pressure rises again.

If lasers don’t cut it, surgeons may recommend:

• Trabeculectomy – creates a new drainage channel under the eye.
• Tube shunt implants – small tubes that guide fluid out of the eye.
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) – smaller incisions, faster recovery.

All procedures have risks, so discuss vision goals and health history with your ophthalmologist before deciding.

Beyond medical steps, everyday habits help keep pressure steady:

• Exercise regularly; moderate cardio can lower intra‑ocular pressure a bit.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine in one sitting – it may spike pressure temporarily.
• Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from UV damage.
• Eat leafy greens, oranges, and fish rich in omega‑3s; these foods support overall eye health.

Finally, never skip your follow‑up appointments. Your doctor will measure pressure, check the optic nerve, and adjust treatment as needed. Glaucoma is a marathon, not a sprint – consistent care keeps sight intact.