Eye Drops for Glaucoma

If you think you may need eye drops to control your glaucoma, get in touch with Elmquist Eye Group in Cape Coral or Fort Myers to discuss your treatment options.

Ophthalmologist, Yasaira Rodriguez, MD, alongside optometrists, Kate Wagner, OD, and Nina Burt, OD treat a wide range of conditions. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest in diagnostic and laser technology, and our commitment to high-quality care sets us apart.

Comprehensive dilated eye exams are the best way to detect glaucoma; a glaucoma screening that checks only the pressure of the eye is not sufficient.

At Elmquist Eye Group, we dilate the pupil of your eye to examine your optic nerve. We may also inspect the drainage structure of your eye, analyze the optic nerve by means of a scanning laser, take optic nerve photos, measure the corneal thickness, and test the visual fields of each eye.

Glaucoma Treatments

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually because the fluid pressure inside the eye is too high. However, this is not always the case; some people have normal fluid pressure but still get glaucoma.

Damage caused to the optic nerve by glaucoma cannot usually be reversed. Eye drops, oral medications, laser surgery and conventional surgery in an operating room are the typical methods of preventing further damage.

• Eye drops & medications: Medications, most often eye drops, can effectively reduce the intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma. There are different types of eye drops, and combination drugs are available for patients who need more than one type of medication. Glaucoma drops have to be used daily, often multiple times a day, to be effective. Some patients also develop side effects, such as redness or irritation, dryness, or itching.
• Laser surgery: Laser surgery for glaucoma may be used alone or in addition to medications. Laser trabeculoplasty is the most common laser surgery for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, and peripheral iridotomy is appropriate for closed-angle glaucoma. They can be used to lower the intraocular pressure that is causing optic nerve damage.
• Conventional surgery: If you are not a candidate for laser surgery, your ophthalmologist may recommend a conventional type of surgery called a trabeculectomy. This outpatient procedure can be used to treat both open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma. It is often reserved for individuals with more advanced glaucoma.

We encourage you to visit Elmquist Eye Group for more information about glaucoma eye drops and other treatment options. Our specialists will go over the risks and benefits of each procedure and help determine which one may be best for you. Get in touch with us today at (239) 936-2020.