Glaucoma is one of the main causes of vision loss in older people. It is an eye disorder that is usually treated with the use of medicated eye drops, but people often forget to take their eye drops as needed. As a result of this, new treatments are being looked at, but what is the latest treatment for glaucoma?
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerves, and also causes visual field loss. The optic nerves are responsible for transmitting messages from the eyes to the brain, so thatyou can see images. When the optic nerves are damaged, visual images cannot be transmitted, and this leads to vision loss. Damage to the optic nerves occurs as a result of high eye pressure, or intra ocular hypertension.
Latest treatment for glaucoma
The glaucoma ring is the latest treatment for glaucoma. It is a medicated time-release device that is placed on the surface of the eye, and delivers daily drops of medication. This is especially beneficial for older people, who often forget to take their medication as required.
How it works
The silicone ring is inserted into the eye below the eyelids, and it delivers the glaucoma drug over a period of 6 months. This helps to relieve internal eye pressure, thereby reducing possible vision loss from glaucoma. Lowering eye pressure is a very effective way to manage glaucoma.
Studies into the effectiveness of the glaucoma ring are continuing, and the device has not yet been approved by the FDA, so it is not yet available.
Patients in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC can contact Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths of the New View Eye Center, Reston, VA for more information on glaucoma. Call (703) 834-9777 today to set up a consultation.