Treatment · Glaucoma
The damage caused by glaucoma can't be reversed. But treatment and regular checkups can help slow or prevent vision loss, especially if the disease is found in its early stages.
Treatment of glaucoma aims to lower intraocular pressure. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medicines, laser treatment, surgery — or a combination of approaches.
Glaucoma treatment often starts with prescription eye drops. Some may decrease eye pressure by improving how fluid drains from the eye. Others decrease the amount of fluid the eye makes. Depending on how low the eye pressure needs to be, more than one eye drop may be prescribed.
Eye drop
Increase the outflow of fluid in the eye, helping to reduce eye pressure. Includes latanoprost (Xalatan), travoprost (Travatan Z), tafluprost (Zioptan), bimatoprost (Lumigan), and latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta). Possible side effects include mild reddening and stinging of the eyes, darkening of the iris, darkening of the pigment of the eyelashes or eyelid skin, and blurred vision. Usually prescribed for once-a-day use.
Eye drop
Reduce the production of fluid in the eye, helping to lower eye pressure. Examples include timolol (Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic) and betaxolol (Betoptic S). Possible side effects include difficulty breathing, slowed heart rate, lower blood pressure, impotence and fatigue. Can be prescribed for once- or twice-daily use depending on your condition.
Eye drop
Reduce the production of the fluid that flows throughout the inside of the eye, and increase the outflow of fluid. Examples include apraclonidine (Iopidine) and brimonidine (Alphagan P, Qoliana). Possible side effects include irregular heart rate, high blood pressure, fatigue, red/itchy/swollen eyes, and dry mouth. Usually prescribed twice daily; sometimes three times a day.
Eye drop
Reduce the production of fluid in the eye. Examples include dorzolamide and brinzolamide (Azopt). Possible side effects include a metallic taste, frequent urination, and tingling in the fingers and toes. Usually prescribed twice daily; sometimes three times a day.
Eye drop
Lowers eye pressure by suppressing the rho kinase enzymes responsible for fluid increase. Available as netarsudil (Rhopressa), prescribed once-a-day. Possible side effects include eye redness and eye discomfort.
Eye drop
Increase the outflow of fluid from the eye. An example is pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine). Side effects include headache, eye pain, smaller pupils, possible blurred or dim vision, and nearsightedness. Usually prescribed up to four times a day. Because of potential side effects and frequent daily use, these medicines are not prescribed very often anymore.
Tip
Because some of the eye drop medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream, you may experience some side effects unrelated to your eyes. To minimize this absorption, close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes after putting the drops in. You also may press lightly at the corner of your eyes near your nose to close the tear duct for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe off any unused drops from your eyelid.
You may be prescribed multiple eye drops or need to use artificial tears. Make sure you wait at least five minutes in between using different drops.
Eye drops alone may not bring eye pressure down to the desired level. So an eye doctor also may prescribe oral medicine. This medicine is usually a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Possible side effects include frequent urination, tingling in the fingers and toes, depression, stomach upset, and kidney stones.
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'Common Questions'
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — usually because the pressure inside the eye is too high. Early detection and lifelong pressure control are the keys to preserving vision.
Most patients with early-to-moderate glaucoma can keep their eye pressure in the safe range with prescription drops alone. The right drop, used consistently every day, can halt or slow progression.
Usually every 3–6 months once your drops are stable. Each visit includes pressure measurement, OCT of the optic nerve, and a visual-field test to be sure nothing has progressed.
There is no cure — but modern treatment can usually stop or slow progression and protect your remaining sight for life. The earlier we start, the better the long-term result.
Yes. If a first-degree relative has glaucoma, your risk is several times higher. First-degree relatives should be screened from age 35 with annual pressure testing and optic-nerve imaging.
Call +965 553 06625 or use the booking form to schedule a pressure check, OCT, and visual-field test in Al-Shaab.
