Home
Health Encyclopedia
Print
Search Clinical Content Search Patient Health Library
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings

Treating Glaucoma

Treatment can prevent or limit vision loss from glaucoma. The goal of treatment is to control glaucoma by lowering eye pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve. Your eye care provider can advise what treatment is best for you. You may need to have exams more often to watch the condition. Medicines and procedures are often used for treatment.

Heathcare provider examining man's eyes.

Medicines to lower eye pressure

Eye drops and pills may be used to lower eye pressure. Some medicines reduce the amount of fluid your eyes make. Others increase drainage of fluid from the eyes. Use your medicines every day as directed. Don't stop taking them, even if you have no symptoms. If you do stop taking them, eye pressure can rise rapidly and damage your vision. If the medicines cause side effects, talk with your eye care provider.

Procedures to improve eye drainage

In some cases of glaucoma, other procedures are used to improve eye drainage:

  • Lasers can be used to increase drainage.

  • If other treatments don't work, surgery may be advised.

Online Medical Reviewer: Bogus, William J., OD, FAAO
Online Medical Reviewer: Haupert, Christopher L., MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Image reviewed by StayWell art team.
Date Last Reviewed: 12/1/2022
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by Krames by WebMD Ignite
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.

These resources and their content are provided by a third party for informational purposes and do not necessarily reflect the values and positions of Ascension, its ministries, or its subsidiaries.

About StayWell | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The Services may integrate with Third-Party Apps or contain third-party content or provide links to third-party websites. For example, the Services may integrate with Third-Party App providers to provide you with information. You authorize Ascension to transmit information about You to and receive information about You from applicable third parties.
You agree that Ascension is not responsible for Third-Party Apps, third-party content or third-party websites, and does not make any endorsements, representations or warranties regarding the same. Your use thereof is at Your own risk and subject to the third party’s terms and conditions, as applicable. By using a Third-Party App or third-party content or websites, You agree to the applicable third party’s terms and conditions, even if Ascension does not present them to You at the time of Your use.