Can Glaucoma Be Cured? Treatment Options That Preserve Your Vision

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects millions worldwide. It involves damage to the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eye and your brain, usually (but not always) due to increased pressure inside the eye. But the question for anyone facing a glaucoma diagnosis is: Can it be cured?

While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, the good news is that with early detection and consistent, effective treatment, from our private hospital in Swansea and Cataracts Centre of Excellence in Bridgend, we can significantly slow down or halt the progression of the disease and preserve your vision.

Understanding Glaucoma and Vision Loss

The damage to the optic nerve caused by glaucoma is irreversible. Any vision already lost cannot be restored. This is why early diagnosis and proactive management are absolutely crucial. The primary goal of all glaucoma treatments is to lower intraocular pressure, thereby preventing further damage to the optic nerve and preserving your existing sight.

Treatment Options at Sana Private Health

At Sana Private Health, we offer a range of advanced treatment options for to your specific type and stage of glaucoma. Our experienced ophthalmologists will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan.

Here are the main approaches to managing glaucoma:

Eye Drops (Medication)

For many patients, glaucoma treatment begins with prescription eye drops. These medications work in different ways to lower IOP, either by decreasing the production of aqueous humour or improving the drainage of aqueous humour.

There are various types of eye drops, and your doctor may prescribe one or a combination to achieve the target pressure.

Laser Treatment

Laser procedures offer a less invasive alternative or adjunct to eye drops, particularly for certain types of glaucoma.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) helps to unblock the drainage channels, improving fluid outflow and lowering IOP. SLT is often effective for several years and can be repeated if necessary.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is typically used for narrow-angle or angle-closure glaucoma to improve the flow of fluid and relieve pressure buildup in the front of the eye.

Micropulse Laser Therapy & Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) reduce the amount of fluid the eye produces, offering further options for IOP control.

Surgical Interventions

If eye drops and laser treatments are not sufficient to control your eye pressure, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgical procedures.

Trabeculectomy is a traditional filtering surgery where a small, controlled opening is created in the sclera (the white of your eye) to allow fluid to drain into a tiny blister-like area under the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye).

Glaucoma Drainage Implants (Tube Shunts), a tiny silicone tube is surgically implanted in the eye to drain excess fluid to an external plate, which is typically hidden under the eyelid.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) involves tiny incisions and the implantation of microscopic devices (e.g., micro-stents) to improve fluid drainage through the eye’s natural pathways.

Living with Glaucoma

A glaucoma diagnosis can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that it is a manageable condition. At Sana Private Health, our team is here to provide not only cutting-edge treatments but also the ongoing support and monitoring you need. Regular follow-up appointments, adherence to your treatment plan, and a proactive approach to your eye health are your best allies in preserving your vision.