Glaucoma affects millions of people all over the world. It is a significant contributor to blindness and is difficult to treat. Recently, promising new treatments have emerged, opening up new avenues for managing glaucoma and preserving vision. If you or a loved one has this condition, all is not lost. Detecting the condition early is vital to initiate effective treatment.
 

The Latest Advancements

The novel treatment options seek to reverse the excess pressure within the eye. They also target the elimination of the side effects associated with traditional treatments.
 

Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery

These surgical treatments lower the pressure inside the eye by making tiny incisions.

The features of these methods include the following:

• Involve minimal intrusion

• Less disruptive to the eye

• Need less time to recover compared to conventional operations

An example of these treatments is the iStent inject®. It entails implanting a device into the trabecular meshwork to increase drainage capacity. Patients who get this treatment find relief and experience better eyesight. This is especially the case for those needing operations and cataract surgery.
 

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

This class of surgical treatments aims to lower the pressure inside the eye. These procedures are less invasive than traditional surgeries and offer faster recovery. Patients enjoy a higher chance of missing out on the condition's consequences.

One example of this procedure is the Hydrus® Microstent. This permanent treatment lowers intraocular pressure in patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
 

Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stents

This new treatment option involves implanting small stents into the trabecular meshwork. The aim is to increase the eye's capacity to drain. This is a permanent solution that the eye doctor implants during cataract surgery.
 

Laser Trabeculoplasty

This treatment stimulates the trabecular meshwork to increase its drainage capacity. Eye professionals can carry out this procedure in the office. The fact that it has a low risk of complications appeals to most people.

Elective laser trabeculoplasty is effective in patients with mild to moderate glaucoma. Doctors can repeat the treatment if necessary to achieve even better results.
 

Medications for Treatment

Many traditional medications exist for glaucoma treatment. However, many brand-new drugs that are more effective are now available. These drugs are very effective since they work towards lowering intraocular pressure. In addition, they entail the least adverse effects compared to traditional treatments.
 

Monitoring Progression and Effectiveness of Treatment

Tracking glaucoma development and treatment efficacy is crucial. The best way to do this is through regular eye exams. The eye doctor will look for any eye issues and intraocular pressure during the exams.

Also, patients should undertake the following precautions:

• They should be mindful of any changes in their eyesight

• They should notify their eye doctor immediately if they notice changes

• They should take prescribed drugs at the allocated time

• They should adhere to the doctor's treatment course

Failing to do so may cause the problem to worsen and the intraocular pressure to rise.
 

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a severe illness that needs continual monitoring and treatment. The good news is that more innovative surgical techniques are available today. Also, more effective therapeutic options are being developed. The novel treatments deal with the condition better than traditional ones.

For more on glaucoma, visit Dr. Krietlow & Associates. Our office is in Blaine, Minnesota. Call (763) 296-8400 to schedule an appointment today.