Glaucoma
Alternative names:
acute glaucoma; chronic glaucoma; closed angle glaucoma; congenital glaucoma; open angle glaucoma; secondary glaucoma
Treatment:
OVERVIEW:
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 ophthalmologist. Intraocular pressure can usually be lowered by medications which may be given orally, intravenously, or topically (as eye drops).
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents in the form of eye drops are effective anti-glaucoma agents. Timolol, Betagan, and OptiPranolol are examples of some of the drops available. Epinephrine drops or pilocarpine drops are sometimes used in combination with other medications.
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 build up. This technique can be performed by laser surgery without making an incision in the eye.
Iridotomy or other laser therapy may be performed electively after an acute episode has resolved (to prevent recurrence) or for people with chronic glaucoma that is unresponsive to medical therapy.
Congenital glaucoma is treated surgically since medical therapy is usually not very effective.
Expectations (prognosis):
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.
The outcome for congenital glaucoma varies depending on the age when symptoms begin.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
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 risk factors for glaucoma are present and routine glaucoma screening has not been performed.
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