When it comes to glaucoma treatment, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. Also known as the silent thief of sight, it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t blur vision until it’s too late—and it affects over 80 million people worldwide. The good news? You can stop it. Glaucoma treatment isn’t about curing the disease—it’s about stopping the damage before you lose sight. Most people don’t know they have it until their peripheral vision starts fading. That’s why regular eye checks aren’t optional. They’re your first line of defense.
There are two main types you need to know: open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, where fluid drains too slowly from the eye. Also known as chronic glaucoma, it creeps up slowly over years. And then there’s eye pressure, the main driver behind most cases, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal is under 21; anything above 25 puts you at higher risk. But here’s the catch: some people with normal eye pressure still get optic nerve damage. That’s called normal-tension glaucoma. It’s rare, but real. And it needs different handling.
Most glaucoma treatment starts with eye drops, medications that either reduce fluid production or improve drainage. Also known as ocular hypotensive agents, they’re the first thing doctors reach for because they work, they’re non-invasive, and most people tolerate them well. Prostaglandin analogs like latanoprost lower pressure with just one daily drop. Beta-blockers like timolol cut fluid production. But side effects? Dry eyes, stinging, even heart rate changes. Not everyone can use them. That’s why switching drops or combining them is common. If drops stop working, or if pressure stays high, laser treatment or surgery becomes the next step. Trabeculectomy, MIGS, and drainage implants aren’t scary—they’re proven. And they can save your vision when pills and drops aren’t enough.
What doesn’t work? Guesswork. Skipping checkups. Thinking that if you don’t feel pain, you’re fine. Glaucoma doesn’t shout. It whispers. And by the time you hear it, it’s too late. That’s why the best glaucoma treatment isn’t just about medicine—it’s about consistency. Daily drops. Yearly scans. Knowing your numbers. Watching for changes in side vision. And never assuming your last eye exam was enough.
The posts below cover real-world details you won’t find in brochures: how to handle side effects from eye drops, what to ask your doctor when a new medication is prescribed, why some people need surgery while others don’t, and how to spot early signs before it’s too late. You’ll also find comparisons between treatments, practical tips for sticking to your regimen, and what to do if your vision changes suddenly. This isn’t theory. It’s what works for real people managing glaucoma every day.
Betaxolol is a beta blocker eye drop used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. It reduces fluid production in the eye and is often chosen for those with asthma or heart conditions due to its selective action. Learn how it works, who it's best for, and how to use it safely.
