Glaucoma Treatments
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. Logic would suggest that we should treat the optic nerve directly to protect it or regenerate it. Unfortunately, the optic nerve, like the spinal cord, is an extension of the brain and is not capable of repair. Therefore our treatments are focused on treating the one risk factor for glaucoma that can be altered: the eye pressure. For most individuals with glaucoma, simply using eye drops can lower the pressure within the eye. If these drops are inadequate there are laser and microsurgical procedures that can be performed to lower the pressure. The good news about glaucoma is that it is a very treatable disease. If glaucoma is diagnosed early and treated appropriately severe vision loss is unlikely.
© 2003-2005
The University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration
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