Medications
Pressure-Lowering Eye Drops
Drops taken once or several times a day to help lower eye pressure.
Treatment of Glaucoma
Once glaucoma is diagnosed, the goal of every treatment is the same: lower the pressure inside the eye. From medicated drops to laser therapy and surgery, Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction offers a full range of glaucoma treatment options serving the greater Beverly Hills and Burbank, CA areas.
Glaucoma Treatment
Once a determination is made that glaucoma is present, treatment must be initiated. The goal of treatment for any kind of glaucoma is to lower the eye pressure.
It does not matter how this is accomplished, as long as the pressure is brought down and kept under control. It is important to note that glaucoma cannot be cured. Because it is a lifelong disease, it must be monitored and managed on a regular basis.
Below are the primary treatment options we use for open-angle glaucoma, followed by the preferred approach for closed-angle glaucoma and additional options for cases that do not respond to conventional surgery.
Learn About Glaucoma
Treatment Options for Open-Angle Glaucoma
Each option works toward the same objective — lowering intraocular pressure — and treatment is tailored to how advanced the glaucoma is and how well earlier approaches have worked.
Laser Therapy
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
A safe laser option, with little or no side effects, that lowers eye pressure much like medication.
Surgery
Trabeculectomy, Canaloplasty & Tube Surgery
Reserved for more advanced or difficult-to-control glaucoma when drops and laser are not enough.
Medication & Eye Drops
Medications can be used in the form of drops to help lower eye pressure.
Depending on the medication, the drops need to be administered once or multiple times a day in order to be effective. Compliance — remembering to take the medication — is one of the drawbacks of this option, because studies have shown that a large percentage of people tend to forget to take them. These medications may also have side effects.
Laser Treatment
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a good option because it is safe, with little or no side effects.
The laser accomplishes what medications do — it lowers the eye pressure. It works well in most people; however, in some individuals it has little or no effect. For patients who are good candidates, laser treatment can reduce or eliminate the need for daily drops.
Learn About Selective Laser TrabeculoplastySurgical Treatment Options
Glaucoma surgery is reserved for patients whose glaucoma is more advanced or difficult to control, where medications and laser have not been effective enough.
Filtering Surgery
Trabeculectomy
A surgical procedure used to lower eye pressure when medications and laser have not been effective enough.
Angle Surgery
Canaloplasty
A procedure that helps restore the eye's natural drainage to reduce intraocular pressure.
Drainage Device
Glaucoma Drainage Device (GDD)
For certain kinds of glaucoma that will not respond to conventional filtering surgery, a glaucoma drainage device may be implanted.
Tube surgery and other drainage procedures are also available for advanced cases. Your surgeon will recommend the approach best suited to the type and severity of your glaucoma.
Learn About Trabeculectomy SurgeryTreatment of Closed-Angle Glaucoma
The preferred treatment for closed or narrow-angle glaucoma uses a laser.
This particular kind of laser, called peripheral iridotomy, is curative and will deepen the angle where the drainage system was initially blocked or narrow. Sometimes people who have closed-angle glaucoma will develop a secondary form of open-angle glaucoma. In that case, any of the treatment options for open-angle glaucoma can be started.
Monitoring & Follow-Up Care
Glaucoma cannot be cured, so ongoing monitoring is an essential part of protecting your vision.
Because glaucoma is a lifelong disease, it must be monitored and managed on a regular basis. Regular follow-up visits allow us to confirm that your eye pressure is well controlled, adjust treatment as needed, and watch for any progression over time. Consistent care is the best way to preserve the vision you have.
Why Choose Berg-Feinfield
Our ophthalmologists offer the full spectrum of glaucoma treatment, from eye drops and laser therapy to advanced surgical care.
Because the goal of every treatment is to lower eye pressure and keep it controlled, we tailor each plan to your type of glaucoma and how well earlier approaches have worked. From the first pressure check through long-term monitoring, our team guides you at every step with the goal of protecting your sight for years to come.
Explore Glaucoma CareGlaucoma cannot be cured, but with the right treatment its progression can be controlled. The sooner treatment begins, the more vision there is to protect.
Our experienced ophthalmologists can help you lower your eye pressure and manage glaucoma for the long term.
Glaucoma Treatment FAQs
Answers to common questions about glaucoma treatment at Berg-Feinfield.
What is the goal of glaucoma treatment?
The goal of treatment for any kind of glaucoma is to lower the eye pressure. It does not matter how this is accomplished, as long as the pressure is brought down and kept under control.
Can glaucoma be cured?
No. Glaucoma cannot be cured. Because it is a lifelong disease, it must be monitored and managed on a regular basis to control its progression and protect your vision.
What are the treatment options for open-angle glaucoma?
Open-angle glaucoma can be treated with medicated eye drops, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or surgery — such as trabeculectomy, canaloplasty, or tube surgery. Surgery is reserved for more advanced or difficult-to-control cases where medications and laser have not been effective enough.
How is closed-angle glaucoma treated?
The preferred treatment for closed or narrow-angle glaucoma is a laser procedure called peripheral iridotomy. It is curative and deepens the angle where the drainage system was blocked or narrow. If a secondary open-angle glaucoma develops, any of the open-angle treatment options can be started.
What if glaucoma does not respond to conventional surgery?
Certain kinds of glaucoma will not respond to conventional glaucoma filtering surgery. In these cases, a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) is implanted to help lower the eye pressure.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Treatment Consultation
Ready to protect your vision? Request an appointment or call our team to discuss the glaucoma treatment options that are right for you at Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction.