Glaucoma Treatments
Although there is no medical cure for glaucoma, the condition can be treated and managed to help slow vision loss and preserve your vision. The earlier your condition is diagnosed the more effective treatment will be.
Our doctors at Eugene Eye Clinic offer the following glaucoma treatment options to reduce eye pressure:
- Medicated eye drops
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) During Cataract Surgery
Eye Drops
There are a variety of medicated eye drops that can be prescribed to decrease eye pressure. Your doctor may prescribe drops that increase the outflow of fluid, reduce the production of fluid or drops that achieve both.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Laser energy is used to clear blocked channels in the trabecular meshwork. Specific cells are treated during the process. The results are not instant; it may take 1-3 months for eye pressure to lower.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) During Cataract Surgery
Many cataract patients also have glaucoma. For these patients we may recommend a MIGS procedure during cataract surgery to increase the flow of fluids from the eye, lower intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve. These stents can reduce or eliminate your need for glaucoma eye drops to control eye pressure. At Eugene Eye Clinic, we use two types of MIGS techniques:
- iStent inject® involves the implantation of two tiny stents in the trabecular meshwork (the spongy tissue located near the cornea and iris). These stents provide openings to allow fluid to flow properly, thus reducing intraocular pressure.
- HYDRUS® Microstent, a tiny, flexible stent the size of an eyelash that is placed into the trabecular meshwork of your eye to control eye pressure.
The right treatment(s) for your eyes will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, the severity of your condition and your overall eye health. If you have glaucoma you will need to be regularly monitored to ensure that your treatment is working. By keeping your eye pressure within a normal range for your unique eyes, we may be able to protect your optic nerve from further damage.
To learn more about glaucoma treatments in Eugene, OR, contact us today to schedule an eye exam.
