This sounds like a simple question, but is actually terribly complicated!
The treatment for glaucoma depends on many factors, including the diagnosis (Underlying cause of the glaucoma), severity of the glaucoma and the target intraocular pressure (in comparison with the opening pressure before any treatment).
This should be discussed in depth with your attending Ophthalmologist.
In general, the treatments for primary glaucoma vary from
a. laser treatments, including peripheral iridotomy / iridoplasty for patients with occludable angles, angle closure glaucoma
b. selective laser trabeculoplasty for open angle glaucoma. Usually used as an adjunctive procedure to replace 1 eye-drop.
c. eye-drops and oral medications: the most common treatment modality due to the wide-range of options available. May be used in isolation or in combination to achieve the target pressure. Multiple modes of action, and hence have different side-effects.
d. surgery including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (usually performed as an adjunct to cataract surgery - the equivalent to replacing one eye drop), and glaucoma-drainage surgery including trabeculectomy / tube-surgery.
As you can imagine the options and permutations are incredible. Its best you have a targeted and detailed discussion with your attending Ophthalmologist as all options have inherent advantages and potential side-effects. Best of luck in your deliberations!
ESG
