Can Glaucoma Be Cured?
Although there is currently no cure for glaucoma, there is a lot of hope for people living with the disease.
Researchers are working every day to find a cure. The goal is that someday doctors will have safe, effective ways to stop the progression of the degenerative disease and to restore precious vision lost to glaucoma.
In the meantime, glaucoma specialists like Dr. Gregory Johnson are devoted to helping patients manage the disease and prevent vision loss. Read on as Dr. Johnson explains the current treatment options for glaucoma and what they entail.
Current Treatment Options
Medicated eyedrops to control intraocular pressure are one of the most common tools in the management of glaucoma. Some eyedrops lower the amount of fluid the eye produces, and others improve the way the fluid drains from the eye.
Although medicated eyedrops are safe and effective, they can interfere with quality of life. Some patients find it a nuisance to remember to take the drops every day. The drops can also cause side effects in the eyes and the rest of the body.
Patients that do not take the drops consistently, either because the drops are a burden or because of side effects, will not see the maximum benefits. Thus, experts have spent years developing reliable treatments to control intraocular pressure without requiring the daily use of eyedrops.
One area of focus is laser treatment for glaucoma. In cases of open-angle glaucoma, where the drainage angle is clogged (not blocked), Dr. Johnson can use laser light to modify the tissue in the drainage angle so more fluid can exit the eye. This procedure, called selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), stretches the holes through which fluid leaves the eye, allowing more fluid to drain, which eventually helps the pressure inside the eye to stabilize. SLT may be used in conjunction with or in place of eyedrops, depending on the case.
Dr. Johnson is continually looking for new ways to help his patients manage glaucoma and enjoy a better quality of life.
For more information about the treatment and management of glaucoma, Dr. Johnson invites you to call (910) 777-8254 or send us an email today.