If you’ve been told you have glaucoma—or you’re worried, you might—one thing matters most: acting early. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, but with timely care, most people can protect their sight and maintain a good quality of life. This guide explains what is glaucoma, why it happens, and the full range of glaucoma treatment options—from eye drops to advanced surgical care—along with the pros, cons, and how the right treatment is chosen.
What is Glaucoma?
So, what is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the glaucoma eye (your eye) to the brain. This damage often happens when pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) becomes too high, although glaucoma can occur even with normal pressure.
The key point: glaucoma is usually chronic and progressive, and vision loss—once it happens—cannot be reversed. That’s why early detection and consistent treatment are essential.
Glaucoma Symptoms: Why It’s Often Called “The Silent Thief of Sight”
Many people have no obvious glaucoma symptoms at first, especially in the most common form. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Blurry vision or difficulty adjusting to low light
- Seeing halos around lights
- Eye pain, redness, headache, nausea (more common in acute cases)
Because symptoms can be subtle, routine eye examinations are one of the best ways to detect glaucoma early.
Glaucoma Causes and Risk Factors
Understanding glaucoma causes can help you know your risk. Common contributors include:
- Elevated intraocular pressure (often due to reduced fluid drainage)
- Age (risk increases over 40 and rises further after 60)
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other systemic conditions
- Long-term steroid use (eye drops, inhalers, tablets)
- Thin corneas or previous eye injury
Types of Glaucoma (Why Treatment isn’t One-Size-Fits-All)
There are several types of glaucoma, and treatment depends on which one you have:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Most common; drainage angle remains open but doesn’t work efficiently. Progress is typically slow.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Drainage angle becomes blocked; can be sudden and painful (acute) and is an emergency.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Caused by another condition such as inflammation, trauma, cataract, or steroid use.
Glaucoma Treatment: From Drops to Surgery
The main goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower eye pressure (or reduce pressure fluctuation) to prevent further optic nerve damage. Your ophthalmologist chooses treatment based on glaucoma type, pressure level, optic nerve findings, visual field results, age, lifestyle, and response to earlier therapy.
1) Eye Drops: The Most Common First Step
For many patients, treatment begins with prescription eye drops that reduce eye pressure by either decreasing fluid production or improving drainage.
Pros
- Non-invasive and easy to start
- Effective for many patients
- Flexible: can adjust types and dosages
Cons
- Requires consistent daily use (missing doses reduces protection)
- Possible side effects: redness, irritation, dry eyes, darkening of eyelids, changes in heartbeat or breathing (depending on the medication)
- Some patients need more than one drop
Best for: Most cases of open-angle glaucoma, early to moderate disease, and patients who can adhere to daily medication.
2) Oral Medications: Short-Term Support in Specific Cases
Sometimes tablets are used to lower pressure quickly (often temporarily), especially if drops alone are not enough.
Pros
- Can rapidly reduce eye pressure in certain situations
Cons
- More systemic side effects (tingling, fatigue, frequent urination, electrolyte imbalance)
- Usually not ideal for long-term use in many patients
Best for: Short-term pressure control or when rapid reduction is needed.
3) Laser Treatment: Targeted Pressure Control
Laser procedures can be a strong option when drops aren’t enough or when patients prefer to reduce dependence on daily medications.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is commonly used for open-angle glaucoma. It improves the eye’s drainage.
Pros
- Quick, outpatient procedure
- Minimal recovery time
- Can reduce the need for drops
- Repeatable in some cases
Cons
- Effect may wear off over time
- Not everyone responds equally
- Temporary pressure spike can occur (usually monitored and managed)
For angle-closure risk, Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) may be recommended to create a tiny opening in the iris and prevent sudden blockage.
Pros
- Can prevent acute angle-closure attacks
- Quick and effective preventive step
Cons
- Mild discomfort or glare/halos in some patients
- Still requires follow-up, and some may need additional treatment
Best for: Open-angle glaucoma needing better control (SLT), or narrow/closed angles requiring preventive care (LPI).
4) Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): A Modern Option
MIGS procedures use tiny devices or micro-incisions to enhance drainage, often performed along with cataract surgery in eligible patients.
Pros
- Smaller incisions and faster recovery than traditional surgery
- Lower risk profile compared to major glaucoma surgeries
- Can reduce medication burden
Cons
- Pressure-lowering effect may be more modest than traditional surgery
- Not suitable for all glaucoma types or advanced disease
Best for: Mild to moderate glaucoma, especially when combined with cataract surgery.
5) Traditional Glaucoma Surgery: For Advanced or Uncontrolled Cases
When glaucoma progresses despite other measures, surgery may be recommended to protect the optic nerve.
Trabeculectomy creates a new drainage pathway.
Glaucoma drainage devices (tubes/shunts) help divert fluid to lower pressure.
Pros
- Strong pressure reduction—often the most effective option
- Can be vision-saving in advanced glaucoma
Cons
- Longer recovery time
- Requires close post-op follow-up
- Risks include infection, bleeding, very low eye pressure, scarring, or cataract progression
Best for: Moderate to advanced glaucoma, uncontrolled pressures, or progression despite drops/laser.
How Treatment is Chosen: The “Right Fit” Matters
Your ophthalmologist doesn’t choose treatment based on one number alone. The plan is based on:
- Your types of glaucoma and how quickly it’s progressing
- Your current eye pressure and target pressure goal
- Optic nerve health and visual field test results
- Your age, general health, and medication tolerance
- Your ability to follow daily drops and attend follow-ups
- Lifestyle factors (driving needs, work patterns, travel)
Often, glaucoma care is stepwise: start with drops, add laser if needed, and move to surgery if the risk to vision becomes higher.
Glaucoma Care at Medeor Hospital, Dubai
At Medeor Hospital, Dubai, our Ophthalmology Department provides comprehensive care for glaucoma—from early screening and advanced diagnostics to personalized treatment plans that may include medications, laser procedures, and surgical options when required. Our experienced eye specialists focus on protecting your vision through accurate assessment, clear guidance, and long-term monitoring, because glaucoma care is not a one-time fix—it’s a journey. If you’re experiencing possible glaucoma symptoms, have a family history, or simply want reassurance, our team is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Take the Next Step to Protect Your Vision
If you are experiencing possible glaucoma symptoms, have a family history of glaucoma, or want to understand your eye health better, early evaluation can make a critical difference.
Book an appointment with the Ophthalmology Department at Medeor Hospital, Dubai today for a comprehensive eye examination and expert guidance on the right glaucoma treatment for you.
