The failure of medications and laser surgery to control the intraocular pressure (IOP) and consequently glaucomatous neuropathy, is an indication for surgery. Surgery may also be performed if the patient has allergy to the drugs, is not compliant to therapy or the disease continues to progress despite treatment. Advanced disease and other conditions are also indication for surgery and the ophthalmologist will discuss the best possible treatment options with the patient.
Important message for glaucoma patients
It is important for you to get yourself regularly screened for glaucoma. If you have been diagnosed to have glaucoma, effective treatment options are now available and regular treatment and follow up can help you to preserve your vision for your lifetime, avoiding unnecessary fear of going blind.
You can live happily with glaucoma and enjoy an excellent quality of life, particularly if the disease is detected early and treated in time. Always remember that once you have glaucoma, you will have to be under the care of an eye doctor for the rest of your life.
There is a lot of research going on and new treatments may become available for glaucoma in the near future.
World Glaucoma Association
www.worldglaucoma.org
WGA Facebook
WGA Twitter