Glaucoma Care Beyond Daily Eye Drops
Glaucoma treatment continues to evolve, giving patients more ways to control eye pressure and protect their sight. At our location in Rehoboth Beach, we provide personalized glaucoma care that may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment, or minimally invasive procedures. For certain patients, earlier intervention may provide an effective alternative to relying only on daily medication.
Why Glaucoma Treatment Matters
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often because of increased pressure inside the eye. It usually develops without noticeable symptoms, so patients may experience permanent vision loss before realizing something is wrong.
Although glaucoma related vision loss cannot be restored, treatment can help slow the disease and protect the vision that remains. Regular eye exams also allow your ophthalmologist to monitor your eye pressure, optic nerve, and peripheral vision.
Looking Beyond Eye Drops
Prescription eye drops remain an important treatment for glaucoma. However, using them correctly every day can sometimes be challenging. Patients may forget doses, have difficulty administering the medication, experience side effects, or need several different drops to control their pressure.
Fortunately, eye drops are not the only treatment available. Interventional glaucoma treatments may help lower eye pressure while reducing the burden of daily medication. Two options that may be considered are Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, commonly called SLT, is an office based laser procedure that helps fluid drain more effectively from the eye. This can lower eye pressure and reduce stress on the optic nerve.
Potential benefits of SLT include:
- No incisions or stitches
- Minimal discomfort and recovery time
- Less reliance on daily eye drops for some patients
- The possibility of repeating treatment if its effects decrease
SLT may be considered as an initial treatment for certain patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It may also be recommended when eye drops are difficult to use or are not controlling pressure adequately. Some patients will still need medication after SLT, depending on their individual treatment goals.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS, refers to several procedures designed to lower eye pressure with less disruption to the eye than traditional glaucoma surgery. These procedures improve fluid drainage or reduce fluid production.
Potential benefits of MIGS include:
- Small incisions
- Faster recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery
- Improved eye pressure control
- Reduced dependence on glaucoma medication for some patients
MIGS is often considered for eligible patients who are also undergoing cataract surgery. However, the appropriate procedure depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, previous treatments, and the amount of pressure reduction needed.
Finding the Right Treatment
Every patient’s glaucoma is different. After evaluating your eye pressure, optic nerve, peripheral vision, and overall eye health, your ophthalmologist may recommend eye drops, SLT, MIGS, traditional glaucoma surgery, or a combination of treatments.
A proactive and personalized approach can help control glaucoma before additional vision is lost. Call us today to book your exam.
