{"id":6489,"date":"2020-06-23T12:29:19","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T12:29:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/wordpress\/?page_id=6489"},"modified":"2021-08-11T09:56:49","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T09:56:49","slug":"how-is-glaucoma-treated","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/glaucoma-guide\/how-is-glaucoma-treated\/","title":{"rendered":"How Is Glaucoma Treated?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is glaucoma?<\/h2>\n

Glaucoma<\/a> is a progressive ocular disease that causes permanent vision loss from damage to the optic nerve\u2014 the nerve responsible for carrying visual signals between the eye and brain.<\/p>\n

The most common form of glaucoma occurs when there is high pressure inside the eye<\/a> (intraocular pressure, or IOP), caused by a build-up of fluid that cannot drain properly.\u00a0 The damage to the optic nerve affects peripheral vision first, and then central vision, causing partial or complete vision loss.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, a cure for glaucoma and the ability to reverse it\u2019s damage to the eye has yet to be discovered.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

However, there are treatments available to help stop, or at least reduce, the progression of the disease by lowering or controlling IOP.<\/p>\n

Anti-glaucoma eye drops<\/b><\/h2>\n

Glaucoma eye drops are a very effective treatment option, and are often the first plan of action. Glaucoma eye drops are classified by the active ingredient chemical that makes the drug effective. Your doctor will prescribe an eye drop, specific to your needs.<\/p>\n

Types of eye drops<\/b><\/h3>\n