A proactive approach to glaucoma treatment
For decades, prescription eye drops have been the most common treatment for high eye pressure associated with glaucoma. Prescription drops help lower eye pressure and slow the progression of the disease.
When taken as prescribed, eye drops are generally effective at controlling eye pressure. However, many people have challenges following their prescribed routine and find eye drops to be an inconvenience. Plus, treating glaucoma with eye drops often involves a “watch and wait” approach to glaucoma management—that is, your eye doctor will wait until there is evidence of disease progression before changing your treatment.
When prescription eye drops are unsuccessful at controlling eye pressure or stabilizing glaucoma, an eye doctor may change treatment by prescribing additional prescription eye drops (instead of intervening with something different, such as a minimally invasive procedure), which can make the challenges and inconveniences associated with prescription eye drops even worse.
A proactive approach in action
Today, a proactive approach to glaucoma treatment means acting sooner to manage glaucoma in the early stages of the disease to enhance compliance and adherence, and to prevent irreversible damage to vision. When being proactive and treating earlier, patients and eye doctors may consider the following types of glaucoma treatment options:
Continuous drug delivery systems
- Includes FDA-approved, innovative drug delivery systems (such as tiny implants) that work continuously and safely to lower eye pressure and protect vision
- Minimally invasive procedures with typically fast recovery times
Micro-invasive, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- Includes less-invasive procedures, devices (such as stents), and techniques with faster recovery times than traditional surgeries
- Can provide effective glaucoma management without patients having to rely solely on the continuous use of prescription medication
Laser treatment
- Most commonly involves a laser being aimed through a special lens and reflected onto the drainage system of the eye
- Stimulates a biochemical change that helps fluid drain from the eye to lower pressure
Laser treatments, MIGS, and continuous drug delivery systems may be used in combination with prescription eye drops or on their own.
Proactive vs reactive approaches to glaucoma treatment
Ultimately, both proactive and reactive approaches to glaucoma treatment aim to reduce high eye pressure associated with glaucoma, but there are important differences:
Proactive approach
- Intervene with a treatment, other than prescription eye drops, before glaucoma progresses
- Often involves treatment with a minimally invasive procedure earlier in the treatment journey with a strong safety profile and a fast recovery
- Better opportunity to reduce or eliminate the unwanted side effects and adherence/compliance challenges associated with prescription eye drops
- Minimally invasive procedure earlier in the treatment journey can slow the progression of glaucoma and help minimize vision loss
Reactive approach
- Take prescription eye drops and “watch and wait” until evidence of disease progression before changing treatments
- May involve the introduction of more invasive surgical procedures later in the treatment journey with longer recovery times and more serious side effects
- Continue to deal with the compliance challenges and side effects associated with prescription drops (red eye, burning, stinging, etc)
- Waiting for glaucoma to progress before exploring alternative treatment options may lead to more/irreversible damage to vision
Benefits of a proactive approach to treatment with minimally invasive procedures
Taking a proactive approach to your glaucoma treatment means being open to minimally invasive procedures earlier in your treatment journey. Earlier intervention—that is, being more proactive—with these procedures may not only help to prevent further disease progression, but may also minimize the side effects and challenges often associated with drops.
Benefits of a proactive approach:
Control eye pressure (intraocular pressure, or IOP)
May help prevent irreversible vision loss or blindness
May reduce or avoid side effects and challenges associated with drops
May be done at the same time as cataract surgery, thereby adding very little time or pain to the procedure
Easy to administer (sometimes called “hands-free” or “worry-free” therapy)
May improve quality of life by providing effective glaucoma management while potentially reducing or even eliminating the need for daily prescription eye drops
Fast recovery time
Cost-effective
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Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments have risk. Discuss the benefits and risks with your eye doctor to decide the best treatment for you.