Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Eye Health

You may have heard that prism glasses can help people with glaucoma see better. While these specialized glasses can improve peripheral vision and quality of life, they don’t actually treat the disease itself.

Prism glasses shift images from blind spots into areas where you can still see, but they do nothing to stop the optic nerve damage that causes vision loss in the first place. Real glaucoma treatment means lowering the pressure inside your eye to prevent further damage.

Keep reading to learn about the three proven treatments Associates in Ophthalmology uses to stop glaucoma progression and protect your vision.

Why Lowering Eye Pressure is Essential for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve, the part of your eye that sends visual signals to the brain. It can occur due to fluid buildup in your eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure that damages the delicate fibers of your optic nerve.

This is why effective glaucoma treatment focuses on reducing fluid buildup or improving drainage to reduce eye pressure. Prism glasses might help you navigate better with the vision you have left, but only treatments that lower eye pressure can stop glaucoma progression and preserve your remaining sight.

Here are some of the treatments the team at Associates in Ophthalmology offers to help maintain a healthy eye pressure:

1. Glaucoma Eye Drops

Prescription eye drops are typically the first line of defense against glaucoma. These medications work by either reducing the amount of fluid your eye produces or improving how well fluid drains out of your eye through the drainage angle. Most patients apply their drops once or twice daily.

When used consistently, glaucoma eye drops can effectively stabilize your eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. Your ophthalmologist will monitor your pressure regularly to make sure the drops are working well.

Some patients experience side effects from certain drops, but several types are available. If one causes problems, your eye doctor can often switch you to another option that works better for you.

2. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

If eye drops aren’t enough or if you’d prefer to reduce your dependence on daily medications, SLT offers an effective alternative. This laser procedure improves drainage in patients with open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.

During SLT, your ophthalmologist uses a laser to treat the drainage angle of your eye, allowing fluid to flow out more easily. This reduces the pressure inside your eye.

The procedure takes just a few minutes in the office, and most patients experience little to no discomfort. Many people see their eye pressure drop significantly after SLT, reducing or even eliminating their need for daily eye drops.

3. Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

LPI is specifically designed for patients with angle-closure glaucoma. This type of glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle is partially blocked, leading to increased intraocular pressure.

If it becomes fully blocked, it can cause sudden and dangerous pressure spikes that can lead to rapid vision loss, making prompt treatment essential for preserving your eyesight.

During LPI, your ophthalmologist uses a laser to create a tiny opening in your iris, allowing fluid to drain through an alternate pathway. This simple procedure takes just minutes and can prevent acute attacks that might otherwise cause blindness.

If you have narrow drainage angles or a family history of angle-closure glaucoma, LPI can be a preventive measure that safeguards your vision for years to come.

Protect Your Vision With Professional Treatment

While prism glasses may help you adapt to vision changes, actual glaucoma treatment targets the disease at its source by controlling eye pressure. The right treatment depends on your specific type of glaucoma, how advanced it is, and how well your eye pressure responds to different approaches.

Ready to learn more about proven glaucoma treatments? Schedule an appointment at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ, today to discuss which option is right for you.