Every eye disease has a distinct treatment. However, in some cases, the treatment does not resolve the condition, but treatment may prevent permanent damage to the eye or vision. An eye doctor will discuss the treatment options available for the eye condition. Knowing the general types of treatments for eye disease may help a person determine the best choice for his lifestyle and condition.
Eye Drops
Doctors frequently recommend eye drops to treat eye conditions, such as eye infections, dry eye and glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when the eye does not drain fluid fast enough to maintain a good pressure in the eye. The increased pressure damages the eye and results in vision changes. Doctors may prescribe one or more eye drops to lower the pressure. The drops typically cause a number of side effects, such as redness and irritation, says the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Despite the side effects, eye drops remain one of the most effective treatments to lower eye pressure.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatments may help some eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. This eye disease causes blood vessels to grow on the back of the eye, and the vessels often leak. This results in swelling of the retina, the tissue layer that lines the back of the eye, which will cause vision changes. Eye surgeons use a laser in order to stop the leakage, explains MayoClinic.com. For many laser treatments, the patient places her chin on a chin rest and stares at a fixed light the doctor will point out. Some procedures require an injection to numb the eye, but other laser treatments do not require this step. After completing the procedure, the doctor may patch the eye and will give instructions for any follow-up care.
Surgery
Certain types of eye diseases and conditions may require eye surgery. Children with a "lazy eye" often require surgery to repair the eye muscle. Older adults have eyelid surgery to repair lids that obstruct vision, or simply for cosmetic reasons. However, one of the most common surgeries on the eye itself is cataract surgery. Cataracts result when the lens in the eye turns hard and yellow, disrupting vision. Cataract surgery involves a small cut in the side of the eye, allowing the surgeon to remove the cataract and replace it with an artificial lens, says the National Eye Institute. For many people, cataract surgery greatly improves vision.
