The objective of treatment is to reduce the intraocular pressure. Depending on the type of glaucoma, this is achieved by medications or by surgery.

MEDICATIONS:

Acute glaucoma is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment by an emergency center or an ophthalmologist. Intraocular pressure can usually be lowered by medications that may be given orally, intravenously, or topically (as eye drops). Beta-adrenergic blocking agents in the form of eye drops are effective for treatment of open angle glaucoma. Timolol, Betagan and OptiPranolol are examples of some of the drops available. Epinephrine drops are sometimes used in combination with other medications.

In 1996, a drug called Xalatan (latanoprost) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of glaucoma. This topical medication helps drain the aqueous outflow from the eye and lower the intraocular pressure. There are also oral medications that may be given, including Daranide, Diamox, and Neptazane. Oral medication or topical drops may be prescribed separately, or a combination of both may be used.

SURGERY:

An emergency operation, called an iridotomy, may be required for the treatment of acute glaucoma. This creates a drainage hole in the iris to relieve the pressure that has build up. This technique can be performed by laser surgery without making an incision in the eye.

People at high risk for closed angle glaucoma may opt to undergo iridotomy before having an attack. Patients who have had an acute episode in the past may undergo the procedure to prevent recurrence.

Laser treatment of the fluid drainage area in the eye may be used to treat open angle glaucoma. In severe cases that are not responsive to medical treatment, surgery can be done to create new outflow channels.

Congenital glaucoma is most often treated with surgery..

Untreated acute glaucoma results in severe and permanent vision loss after the onset of symptoms. Vision can be preserved with prompt treatment.

Untreated chronic glaucoma can progress to blindness within 20 to 25 years. Early diagnosis and treatment have excellent success with preserving vision. Treatment prevents further loss, but does not bring back vision already lost.

The outcome for congenital glaucoma varies depending on the age when symptoms begin.

• Reduced vision
• Blindness

Call your health care provider if you have severe eye pain or a sudden loss of vision, especially loss of lateral (away from the middle) vision.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have risk factors for glaucoma and have not been screened for the condition.