1. Eye-drops
Several kinds of eye-drops can be used against glaucoma, separately or combined.
They are only effective for 12 or 24 hours and have to be used perpetually.
Some eye-drops can influence the state of mind, the blood circulation, the functioning of the lungs or the heartrythm. Depending on their composition, the eye-drops either decrease the production of eye-liquid or improve the drainage.
2. Tablets
When the eye-drops don't bring down the increased eye-pressure sufficiently, tablets are sometimes used.
These bring down the production of liquid fluid in the eyes. Some of those medicines though may affect the functioning of the kidneys.
3. Laser
Since 1982 the Argon-laser has been introduced in the treatment of glaucoma.
With this treatment the pores that regulate the drainage of the eye-liquid, are dilated.
This treatment is painless, is carried out in the surgeon's cabinet and is usually done in 2 sessions, during which each time 50 points are set. In 80% of the cases an operation is not necessary when the laser treatment has been applied. Sometimes the treatment has to be repeated after 1 or 2 years.
4. Operation
When - in spite of eye-drops, tablets and laser - the eye-pressure still remains too high, the eye has to be operated. This usually is done under local anesthesia and can be applied without a stay in hospital.
Recently, major improvements (use of ant metabolites) have ameliorated considerably the success rate.
