Anyone suffering with glaucoma will be wondering what the treatment options are and how to get back to great eye health. Eye surgery is one option for glaucoma treatment but there are other alternatives to consider also. Depending on the type of glaucoma you have, the treatment options available to you will change.
There are different types of glaucoma, and varying causes and symptoms. The symptoms could range from vision loss, headaches, halos near lights, difficulty to see in the dark and blurred vision. These symptoms should be taken seriously and a consultation with your doctor should be sought. Thankfully treatment for most eye issues including glaucoma is easy and quite common. There are a few options ranging from glaucoma drug treatments, to natural remedies, and then surgery. The main thing to remember is that all treatments have their uses and everyone is different so there is no need to worry. Surgery is a great option as it does clear up the issue once and for all.
Type of Glaucoma
Normal pressure glaucoma or normal tension glaucoma occurs when there is optic nerve damage. Sometimes, this type of glaucoma is also referred to as low tension or low pressure glaucoma. You may not experience any symptoms at all.
Chronic narrow angle glaucoma is similar to normal pressure glaucoma in that you may not experience many symptoms, and it is an open angle disorder.
Acute angle closure glaucoma indicates an emergency, as the high pressure needs to be reduced to avoid permanent vision damage. In this instance, you are likely to experience some or all the symptoms listed above, and they may come and go.
Treatment Options
Eye drops can be used to reduce the pressure in the eye and reduce the production of aqueous humour, which is what is responsible for all the trouble. This is usually the first step, unless serious symptoms occur, in which case you should go straight to emergency. Eye drops are a good way to avoid side effects and get some pressure reduced.
Beta blockers are sometimes used as effective anti-glaucoma treatments. They are incredibly effective in treating this eye issue and are usually one of the first treatments considered. However, there are some possible side effects with beta blockers. Because they contain a cause of bronchospasm, they can irritate asthma sufferers. This treatment is not usually considered for smokers or anyone with a history of breathing difficulties.
There are other drugs such as prostaglandin and alpha adrenergic drugs, and all work by reducing the amount of aqueous humour produced.
Another option worth considering is acupuncture. There have been cases of improved vision following acupuncture but no change in the eye pressure. This is a natural remedy option for anyone looking for a natural solution. However bear in mind that it might not be as effective as the surgery or drug treatments.
Finally, then, there is glaucoma surgery which is quite effective and safe. The procedure is quick, generally pain-free and recovery is fast. Apart from avoiding water for up to a week afterwards, the recovery is easy. There may some redness of the eye or swelling which usually subsides within 24 hours and your vision may seem blurry for a while but this will change after a few weeks. Surgery for glaucoma is now very common, very safe and incredibly easy.
Exceptions To Consider
Not all treatments are not recommended for pregnant women, as the drugs are passed on to the baby. If absolutely necessary, you can consider low dosage eye drops. Patients who smoke are not usually recommended some of the drugs listed.
Speak to your eye doctor first, and ensure you have all the information to make the best choice. Glaucoma treatment can be easy if you know what to do, so a simple trip to the doctor to find out about eye surgery or another alternative is the best investment you can make for your health. There are a few tests that can be carried out to see if you can be diagnosed with glaucoma and then once you have your diagnosis, your doctor can advise the best plan of action to lead you back to great eye health.
Whether you use the drug treatment or surgery option, eye health should be taken seriously.
Kate Dawson writes for Optegra, who operate five eye care hospitals. After an initial consultation with an eye doctor, you will discuss what eye surgery is best suited for you dependant on your eye condition.
