An ongoing treatment process in which intraocular pressure, the optic nerve, and the visual field are monitored at regular intervals in patients diagnosed with glaucoma (high eye pressure).
Indication
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (the most common type)
- Primary angle-closure glaucoma (acute or chronic form)
- Congenital and juvenile glaucoma (childhood)
- Secondary glaucoma (uveitis, trauma, corticosteroids, pseudoexfoliation, etc.)
- Individuals with elevated intraocular pressure (ocular hypertension) and risk factors
- Optic-disc and visual-field findings suggestive of glaucoma
Preparation
- Inform the physician of current medications and any allergies
- Bring previous tonometry, visual-field, and OCT reports
- Remove contact lenses before the examination
- If eye-drop therapy will be started, training on drop instillation is provided
How it's performed
- Tonometry, gonioscopy (angle examination), fundus exam, and OCT are performed to confirm the diagnosis
- In open-angle glaucoma a prostaglandin analog drop such as latanoprost is typically the first-line therapy
- In angle-closure glaucoma, treatment to lower eye pressure rapidly and laser iridotomy are planned first
- If response to medication is insufficient, additional drops, oral acetazolamide, or selective laser trabeculoplasty are considered
- In advanced cases, trabeculectomy, tube shunts, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may be recommended
- Eye pressure, visual field, and optic-nerve fiber thickness (OCT) are checked at regular intervals
Post-procedure
- A pressure check is performed within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment
- In stable patients, tonometry and eye examination are repeated every 3-6 months
- Visual field and OCT assess structural and functional progression once or twice a year
- Regular drop use is supported; report side effects, dryness, or redness to the physician
- The target intraocular pressure is updated according to the stage of disease
Risks
- Eye-drop side effects (redness, eyelash growth, iris color change, local burning)
- Permanent visual-field loss due to silent disease progression
- Infection, bleeding, or pressure fluctuations after laser or surgery
- Advanced vision loss or blindness if treatment is not used as prescribed
FAQ
Does glaucoma treatment last a lifetime?
Glaucoma is a chronic disease and treatment is usually lifelong. Because optic-nerve damage does not reverse, the goal is to preserve existing vision.
What happens if I forget my drops?
Regular use is critical. Missed doses can raise intraocular pressure and accelerate nerve damage. Reminder apps and a fixed daily routine are recommended.
Is it possible to recover lost vision in glaucoma?
No. Lost visual field cannot be regained. The goal of treatment is to halt progression and preserve existing vision.
Can laser replace eye drops?
Selective laser trabeculoplasty can lower eye pressure in selected patients, either instead of or in addition to drops. The decision is made together with your physician.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry)
Ophthalmology
Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry) — determining eye pressure for glaucoma screening and follow-up.
Fundoscopy
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Fundoscopy (dilated fundus examination) — direct examination of the retina, optic nerve, and ocular blood vessels.
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Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) — a diagnostic test in which the retinal vessels are imaged using fluorescein dye.
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Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) — treatment of vision loss by replacing the clouded lens of the eye.
OCT
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OCT (optical coherence tomography) — non-contact, micron-level cross-sectional imaging of the retina and optic nerve.
Visual field test
Ophthalmology
Visual field test (perimetry) — map-based assessment of central and peripheral vision.
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Intravitreal injection — retinal therapy delivering anti-VEGF medications inside the eye.
Retinal Detachment Surgery
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Retinal detachment treatment — time-critical surgery, most often pars plana vitrectomy, to preserve vision.