Treatment is instituted as soon as glaucoma is diagnosed. The options to treat glaucoma include medicine, laser and surgery. Medicines (eye drops and pills) have been used since the 1870’s to lower eye pressure, and thus reduce the risk of vision loss. Eye drops are the most common form of initial treatment for open-angle glaucoma. The medicines used to treat glaucoma are tailored to the individual patient and must take into account the cost, effectiveness, and possible side-effects.

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There are several families of eye drops currently available, and these either act to reduce the production of aqueous humor, or improve the outflow of the drain, or both. Most eye drops may sting or burn when placed on the eye. This does not mean that they are not working, or that they are causing harm. Some people may find a specific eye drop more comfortable than others. Research is ongoing to determine if some available medications may also have protective properties in addition to their pressure-lowering effects.

If patients do not respond to medicines, or develop side effects, laser or conventional glaucoma surgery can be performed.