Drops
Glaucoma is a condition that causes your sight to diminish over the years. It is a culmination of conditions that cause the optic nerve to become damaged and vision to be impaired. The problem with glaucoma is that it can damage vision at a slow pace until it reaches an advanced stage and is finally diagnosed.
Prescription eye drops are a treatment that can be used to slow the progression of glaucoma. There are various forms of these that each have a specific purpose. Beta-blockers reduce a substance called "aqueous humor," which is the fluid in the eye. Examples of these include Betimol, Betoptic and Betgan. Prostaglandin-like compounds increase the output of aqueous humor, and they include Travatan, Lumigan and Xalatan. Alpha-agonists increase drainage in addition to lowering aqueous humor. Examples of these include Alphagen and Iopidine.
Medications
If eye drops are not working to lower your eye pressure, your doctor might prescribe oral medications called "carbonic anhydrase inhibitors." Examples of these include Neptazane and Diamox Sequels. These pills tend to cause a loss of potassium, so foods like apple juice and bananas should be added to your diet.
Lasers
Surgery is another treatment option for glaucoma. There are several different types that can be done, and they are performed when the other treatments have not been effective. "Trabeculoplasty" is a type of laser surgery where the doctor uses a laser beam to unclog drainage canals to promote the flow of aqueous humor. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes, and it is an outpatient procedure.
In a "trabeculotomy," the surgeon numbs your eye and creates an opening in the white part called the sclera. A piece of trabecular meshwork is removed, and aqueous humor is then able to flow from this hole.
Children and people with secondary glaucoma can get drainage implants put into their eyes. The doctor inserts a small tube made out of silicone through which aqueous humor drains out.
Lifestyle
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some treatments you can do at home when you have glaucoma or pressure in your eye. Drinking large amounts of liquids in a short amount of time can increase pressure, so you should sip your beverages over the course of a whole day. Exercise regularly, but keep your intensity levels low and avoid any head-down stretches and positions since they can increase eye pressure.
