Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma treatment lowers eye pressure to help prevent vision loss and may include eye drops, medications or surgery

While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can often be managed effectively with prescription eye drops. In some cases, laser treatments or surgery may be recommended.

All glaucoma treatments focus on lowering pressure inside the eye to help prevent vision loss. Your Henry Ford ophthalmologist will work with you to determine the treatment plan that best fits your needs.

Glaucoma eye drops

There are several types of glaucoma eye drops. They work by either reducing fluid production in the eye or improving fluid drainage:

• Prostaglandin analogs: Increase fluid outflow. Examples include Xalatan®, Travatan Z® and Lumigan®.
• Beta blockers: Reduce fluid production. Examples include Timoptic®, Ocupress®, Betoptic S® and Betagan®.
• Alpha agonists: Both decrease fluid production and increase drainage. Example: Alphagan® P.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs): Lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production. Examples include Trusopt® and Azopt®.
• Combination medications: Combine two types of drops into one. Examples include Cosopt®, Combigan® and Simbrinza®.
• Miotics: Increase fluid drainage. Includes medications such as ophthalmic pilocarpine.

Glaucoma medications (pills)

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) are also available in pill form, including Neptazane® and Diamox®.

Glaucoma surgery

Like eye drops and medications, surgical procedures work by reducing fluid production or improving drainage in the eye. Our ophthalmic surgeons offer advanced laser treatments and surgical options tailored to each patient.

Following glaucoma treatment

Even when treatment is effective, ongoing care is essential. Most people with glaucoma need regular eye exams and long-term treatment to help protect their vision.

Will my vision be restored after glaucoma treatment?

Vision loss caused by glaucoma is permanent and cannot be restored. This is why early detection and regular eye exams are so important.

Can glaucoma be controlled?

Yes. By lowering eye pressure, treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss for most people. The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is also actively researching the causes of glaucoma and developing new treatments.

For additional information on glaucoma and its treatment, visit:

• Glaucoma Research Foundation
• Glaucoma Foundation
• American Glaucoma Society
• American Academy of Ophthalmology

At Henry Ford, patients come first

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care using the most advanced treatments available. We are dedicated to vision research and remain at the forefront of innovation. As one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients each year at 12 locations throughout southeast Michigan. Our team also collaborates across specialties to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care.