If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may already be familiar with common treatment options such as prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or traditional surgery. These treatments are highly effective, especially when glaucoma is caught early. However, researchers continue to develop new therapies designed to improve outcomes, reduce side effects, and decrease the frequency of treatment.
What Is the Goal of Glaucoma Treatment?
Glaucoma is not currently curable, but treatment can significantly slow or halt its progression. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye (the “corneal angle”), increasing intraocular pressure (IOP).
The primary goal of all glaucoma treatment is to lower eye pressure to protect the optic nerve from further damage. Whether through medication, laser therapy, or surgical intervention, controlling IOP is the foundation of effective glaucoma management.
Limitations of Standard Glaucoma Treatments
Challenges with Eye Drops
While eye drops are often the first line of treatment, they come with several challenges:
- Difficulty applying drops correctly — especially for older adults
- Daily use can be hard to maintain long-term
- No noticeable “benefit” early on, since glaucoma typically has no symptoms
- Potential side effects like burning or eye redness
Laser Procedures
Laser treatments help open clogged drainage tissue to improve fluid flow. Although effective, it may take several weeks to see full results and is not always permanent.
Traditional Surgery
If medications and laser therapy do not adequately control pressure, surgery may be required. While generally effective, traditional glaucoma surgery:
- Requires a hospital visit and recovery period
- Can increase the risk of developing cataracts later
- May lead to complications such as inflammation, bleeding, pain, or infection
Recent Advances in Glaucoma Treatment
Alternatives or Improvements to Eye Drops
The Glaucoma Research Foundation has identified several new technologies aimed at improving consistency, comfort, and effectiveness of medication delivery:
- Polymer-based devices (similar to a contact lens) placed under the eyelid to slowly release medication over months
- Microneedles that deliver medicine directly to the target tissue
- Implantable extended-release devices made with engineered microparticles or nanoparticles
- Polymer-based intraocular drug-delivery systems that allow customizable, sustained release
- Improved formulations of drops for easier absorption
- Tear duct plugs designed to release medication gradually
Additionally, patients who previously used multiple drops per day may now benefit from combination medications, reducing the number of bottles and applications needed. Examples include:
- Cosopt (timolol + dorzolamide)
- Combigan (timolol + brimonidine)
- Simbrinza (brinzolamide + brimonidine)
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS procedures involve micro-incisions through the cornea and are designed to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues. These techniques allow fluid to drain more effectively, lowering intraocular pressure.
Some devices, such as the iStent®, are implanted during cataract surgery. While cataract surgery alone can reduce pressure, combining both procedures often provides a stronger and longer-lasting effect.
Benefits of MIGS include:
- Less tissue disruption and faster recovery
- Reduced scarring compared to traditional surgery
- Ability to treat glaucoma earlier and more safely
- Lower dependency on eye drops
Importantly, MIGS procedures do not prevent traditional glaucoma surgery from being performed later if needed.
Monitoring Eye Pressure
Accurate pressure monitoring is essential for determining whether treatment is working and when adjustments are needed. For patients who require frequent monitoring, the at-home iCare HOME tonometer provides a convenient and effective option.
There is: No puff of air, no numbing drops, and easy data sharing with your doctor.
This makes it easier than ever to monitor glaucoma progression between office visits.
Managing Glaucoma Over Time
If you have a glaucoma diagnosis, you can feel confident that treatment options continue to improve every year. While glaucoma cannot be cured, it is highly manageable with the right combination of therapies, monitoring, and follow-up care.
Request an appointment to discuss your glaucoma management plan with our experienced eye care team.
