On your daily list of things to do, seeing your eye doctor and taking your glaucoma medicine might not be a high priority, especially if you're not experiencing any symptoms. According to several recent studies, many people who have just learned they have glaucoma or who are suspected of having it fail to keep up with recommended guidelines for follow-up appointments and treatment. This is disturbing news, given that early identification and treatment of glaucoma can slow the progression of this potentially blinding disease.
Q. My doctor prescribed eyedrops for glaucoma. Will I have to use them for the rest of my life?
A. Most likely, yes.
Glaucoma is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. It occurs when the fluid in the eye, the aqueous humor, is not draining properly, raising the intraocular pressure (IOP) high enough to begin to damage the optic nerve.
The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, progresses slowly and can be detected through eye exams before a patient is aware of any glaucoma symptoms. The purpose of the eyedrops your doctor recommends is to lower the IOP and keep it at a level that prevents damage to the optic nerve and visual field, usually at least 25% below the level at your diagnosis.
Most people with glaucoma have to use eyedrops from one to four times a day, depending on the type of drop. In some cases, it may be necessary to use one or several different types of drops simultaneously. Although some people take oral medications for glaucoma, those tend to have side effects, such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, depression, or loss of appetite. Doctors tend to prescribe oral medications for glaucoma only if the IOP can't be controlled by drops.
Laser trabecular surgery or filtration surgery are also options if medications don't work. However, after surgery, you would still likely need to use daily drops, although at a lower dose.
