Can Glaucoma Be Cured?
Glaucoma is a prevalent and progressive eye disease that can harm the optic nerve, potentially resulting in vision loss. This common condition is one of the leading causes of blindness and occurs when aqueous fluid in the eye builds up, often due to an overproduction of fluid or lack of proper drainage. As a result, individuals suffering from glaucoma can experience abnormally high eye pressure. For those who have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are concerned about potentially developing the condition, it is natural to wonder whether glaucoma can be cured or if any damage caused by it can be reversed. Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured and its effects cannot be reversed; however, it can be treated.
Early detection and proper treatment can slow the progression of glaucoma and minimize the chances of further vision loss. At Prestera Eye Medical Group, Dr. Tory Prestera and Dr. Howard Guan offer specialized options for the management and treatment of glaucoma, including glaucoma surgery. In fact, helping patients with glaucoma is a major focus of our practice, and we are one of the few offices in the North County area that places such a high emphasis on services for individuals suffering from the condition.
Some types of procedures to address glaucoma procedures involve lowering eye pressure and draining excess fluid to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options available at Prestera Eye Medical Group include:
- Medicated Eye Drops – Non-invasive prescription eye drops can help lower eye pressure. These options often require daily use.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – Featuring minimal heat absorption, SLT is a laser procedure that can increase the amount of fluid drained from within the eye, thus decreasing eye pressure.
- DURYSTA® – An FDA-approved, dissolvable ocular implant, DURYSTA® can help reduce extreme eye pressure by gradually medicating the eye. This option may be beneficial for those unable to complete a daily eye drop regimen.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – Through the utilization of small incisions, MIGS can improve drainage and reduce eye pressure, usually with a quicker recovery time when compared to other, more invasive procedures.
- Tube Shunts – This advanced surgery involves small tubes implanted into the eye to decrease eye pressure, increase drainage, and improve vision.
- Trabeculectomy – Another advanced surgical procedure, trabeculectomy involves the creation of a new pathway to help drain eye fluid and reduce the potential for further vision loss.
Dr. Prestera and Dr. Guan are highly skilled and experienced with treatments for glaucoma. They are also committed to developing customized treatment plans based on each patient’s individual needs, and to providing a compassionate approach to care. Our doctors are proud to serve a vast and diverse community, including many Hispanic patients who pursue optical treatment at Prestera Eye Medical Group.
Together, Dr. Prestera and Dr. Guan stress that early detection through routine eye exams can play a key role in preventing significant vision loss from glaucoma. To learn more about this condition and treatments available at our practice, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.