Is Glaucoma Treatable?
Because many types of glaucoma exist, treatment varies between individuals depending on the type of glaucoma and factors including your general health. Through early detection, diagnosis, and effective treatment, you and your doctor can help preserve your vision. Most patients are adequately managed with eye drops, but some may require laser treatment or incisional surgery.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Medicated Eye Drops
A first-line treatment that improves how fluid flows through the eye and reduces intraocular pressure. Many patients require more than one prescription. For those who struggle with drops, the iDose TR — the first and only FDA-approved fixed implant — continuously releases medication directly into the eye, eliminating the need for daily drops.
Laser Treatment (SLT)
A simple, highly effective in-office procedure that lowers intraocular pressure in about five minutes. SLT uses short pulses of low-energy light to target pigmented cells in the eye’s drainage system, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Some patients can control their pressure with SLT alone, reducing or eliminating drops. It is painless, requires no downtime, and has minimal risk.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
A group of procedures that lower eye pressure using very small incisions — a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional surgery with faster recovery and the potential to reduce reliance on daily medications. MIGS is often combined with cataract surgery in a single session.
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery
For more advanced glaucoma, procedures such as trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery create a new drainage pathway to lower pressure and protect the optic nerve. Highly effective but technique-dependent, these require an experienced, fellowship-trained surgeon and ongoing post-operative management.
Cataract Surgery as Glaucoma Treatment
In some patients — especially those with angle-closure glaucoma — cataract surgery can lower eye pressure and improve fluid drainage. Removing the thickened natural lens and replacing it with a thin artificial lens creates more space inside the eye, which can mean fewer medications or more stable pressure.
The XEN Gel Stent
The newest option: a minimally invasive implant designed to lower high eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma patients who haven’t succeeded with previous treatments. A tiny, flexible tube is inserted just beneath the eye’s surface to help fluid drain. The small, self-healing incision typically requires no stitches, dramatically reducing recovery time — many patients return to normal activities the next day.
Treating Glaucoma: Next Steps
Florida Eye Specialists offers thorough, comprehensive glaucoma care in the Jacksonville area. If you would like a second opinion, our doctors can provide a diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.