Treating glaucoma here at Illinois Valley Eye Care in Spring Valley, IL is possible with a number of methods. However, to choose the right treatment for your glaucoma, we need to start with a comprehensive eye exam. This gives our eye doctor the tools necessary to develop a personalized treatment program for your eye disease. Begin by learning more about the types of glaucoma treatments available.
Eye Drops for Glaucoma
The most common type of treatment for glaucoma is eye drops. Prescription eye drops are typically the first line of defense against glaucoma. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, types of eye drops used for this eye disease include:
Prostaglandin analogs and Rho kinase inhibitors that increase drainage of fluid away from the eye
Beta-blockers to decrease fluid production
Alpha agonists that decrease fluid production and increase drainage from the eye
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that reduce eye pressure and decrease fluid production
Eye drops are generally successful for glaucoma treatment as long as the patient remembers to take the eye drops as instructed.
Eye Surgery and Glaucoma Treatment
In mid to late-onset glaucoma cases, eye surgery using laser surgery is the only remaining option. Surgery is also necessary for patients who do not tolerate eye drops for glaucoma. Laser eye surgery in Spring Valley, IL is a long-term, albeit a temporary treatment for this eye disease.
Diagnosing Glaucoma in Spring Valley, IL
To determine if you are suffering from glaucoma in Spring Valley, IL, our eye doctor will begin with a comprehensive eye exam. By looking for symptoms of glaucoma, we can find out what stage of this eye disease you are suffering from and start treatment accordingly.
Here at Illinois Valley Eye Care, our optometrist provides eye drops for glaucoma, as well as pre- and post-surgical care for eye surgery. We also offer referrals to eye surgeons in Spring Valley, IL to better assist our patients. Once you have successfully treated your glaucoma, continue with comprehensive eye exams to manage your vision.