Glaucoma Treatment Options | Marano Eye Care

Untreated glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Because many forms of glaucoma develop without noticeable symptoms, most patients are unaware they have the condition until vision loss has already begun. If glaucoma is not managed, the visual field can progressively narrow and may eventually lead to permanent blindness.

While vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, early diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and timely treatment can significantly slow or prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser procedures, or glaucoma surgery to reduce intraocular pressure.

Eye Drops

For many patients, the first line of treatment is prescription eye drops designed to lower eye pressure. Our ophthalmologists may recommend:

• Prostaglandin analogs

• Beta blockers

• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

• Combination drops

These medications work by improving fluid drainage from the eye or reducing the amount of aqueous fluid your eye produces.

Oral Medications

If eye drops alone are not sufficient, oral medications may be added to further decrease fluid production and lower intraocular pressure. When used together, eye drops and oral medications can effectively bring pressure down to a safer, targeted level.

Laser Surgery

If glaucoma progresses or medications are no longer effective, our ophthalmologists may recommend laser surgery to improve fluid drainage.

Laser Trabeculoplasty

Commonly used for open‑angle glaucoma, laser trabeculoplasty uses a focused laser beam to enhance the drainage angle of the eye. This quick, painless procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes and helps lower eye pressure by improving the outflow of aqueous fluid.

Laser Iridotomy

For patients with angle‑closure glaucoma, a laser iridotomy creates a tiny opening in the iris to allow fluid to reach the drainage angle. This helps prevent sudden pressure spikes and protects the optic nerve.

Most glaucoma laser procedures can be performed in our office or at a nearby outpatient surgery center.

Traditional Glaucoma Surgery

If other treatments do not adequately control eye pressure, traditional surgical procedures may be recommended. These surgeries create new pathways for aqueous fluid to exit the eye.

Trabeculectomy

During a trabeculectomy, the surgeon creates a small flap in the sclera (the white of the eye) and forms a filtration bleb beneath the conjunctiva. This allows fluid to drain from the eye and be absorbed naturally, lowering intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma Drainage Devices

In some cases, a glaucoma drainage implant may be used. A small tube is placed inside the eye to direct fluid to a reservoir beneath the conjunctiva, where it is absorbed into surrounding blood vessels.

Glaucoma Specialists in New Jersey

If you need expert glaucoma care, the ophthalmologists at Marano Eye Care offer advanced diagnostic testing and a full range of treatment options. Visit us at our convenient locations in Denville, Livingston, or Newark, NJ to schedule an appointment. You may also contact us by phone to learn more about our glaucoma services.