Glaucoma refers to an eye disorder whereby a dangerous build-up of internal eye pressure occurs. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, the nerve that transmits visual information to the brain. The treatment of glaucoma consists of decreasing the eye pressure, and the type of treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Eye Drops
According to Allaboutvision.com, the first treatment of choice for lowering eye pressure consists of using medicated eye drops. The medicated drops lower eye pressure by reducing the production of aqueous fluid, the fluid in the front part of the eye, or to reduce resistance to the outflow of aqueous fluid. Most people with newly diagnosed or easily controlled glaucoma can use one or more types of eye drops daily without additional treatment, reports the Cleveland Clinic. However, non-compliance with prescribed glaucoma medication remains a major reason for blindness caused by glaucoma, reports Allaboutvision.com.
Laser Eye Surgery
According to the Cleveland Clinic, laser eye surgery treats increased eye pressure when the medicated eye drops fail. The surgery creates a tiny opening or channel in the eye area, which allows for drainage of the increased fluid, thus decreasing the eye pressure. Some people require repeat laser surgeries if the first surgery isn't effective at treating the internal eye pressure, and their glaucoma worsens.
Eye Surgery
Glaucoma eye surgery reduces eye pressure by creating a permanent surgical opening into the affected eye, directing the drainage of the fluid into another area of the eye, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Glaucoma surgery often reduces or eliminates the need for future glaucoma medications in the operated eye.
Sip Fluids
Ingesting a quart or more of any liquid within a short time, may temporarily increase internal eye pressure. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking only small amounts of fluids over the course of a day to avoid increasing the internal eye pressure further.
Exercise
Regular exercise may reduce eye pressure in the type of glaucoma called open-angle glaucoma, notes the Mayo Clinic. However, eye pressure may increase after exercise in secondary glaucoma. It is important to avoid exercises that involve head-down positions and stretches, because these positions have the tendency to increase internal eye pressure.
