Glaucoma is an umbrella term for a number of disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve. Because the optic nerve is responsible for the transmission of information from the eyes to the brain, damage to this nerve can result in diminished sight or blindness. Most cases of glaucoma are related to increased pressure in the eye, commonly as a result of problems with draining liquid from the eye.
Eyedrops
Doctors will commonly prescribe eyedrops to patients suffering from glaucoma to reduce the eye pressure. These medications include Betagan, Iodipine and Trusopt.
Oral Medications
If the eyedrops do not reduce the pressure enough, oral medications such as Diamox and Neptazane are the next line of treatment.
Neuroprotective Drugs
Because lowering the eye pressure is only one aspect of treating glaucoma, doctors are now looking to medications such as Alphagan and Namenda to see whether they can prevent the optic nerve from being damaged.
Surgery
If none of the above medications is effective, surgery to help drain the aqueous humor as well as relieve the pressure in the eye is the next method of treatment.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency situation and will commonly be treated with multiple medications as well as surgery to prevent permanent blindness.
