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How
is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma
can develop slowly with minimal or no symptoms,
or it can occur suddenly with the person experiencing
symptoms such as severe pain and nausea. The consequences
of delayed treatment of glaucoma can be significant.
The type of therapy recommended will vary depending
on the type of glaucoma present. Since the vast
majority (90%) of individuals with glaucoma has
the chronic form, drugs remain the treatment of
choice for this disease. However, if medical therapies
fail, surgery may become necessary.
Chronic Glaucoma
The most common treatment for chronic glaucoma
is a regimen of drugs to lower the IOP by either
promoting the outflow of aqueous humor or decreasing
its production. For most patients, these drugs
consist of topical agents available as eye drops.
The principal agents used include beta-adrenergic
blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs),
prostaglandins, adrenergic agonists, or cholinergics.
Acute Glaucoma
In the case of acute glaucoma, doctors will most
often prescribe drugs that suppress the symptoms
of glaucoma, then follow this treatment with corrective
surgery. For example, a patient will both receive
drugs that reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and
undergo laser surgery to alter the iris and facilitate
aqueous humor outflow.
Tips on how to better
manage your glaucoma
Have clear instructions regarding the time, amount,
and side effects of your glaucoma medication.
Stick reminders on the refrigerator door or on
the medicine cabinet. Create a routine around
administration of medication to lower the chance
of forgetfulness; for example, associate taking
medication with an activity in your day such as
eating or brushing your teeth. Place your glaucoma
medications in highly visible locations. Use small
pocket timers or wrist watches with alarms to
remind you to take your medications.
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