Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma mainly affects middle-aged and elderly people and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. The treatment goals are to control intraocular pressure, protect the optic nerve, and prevent further vision deterioration. Various treatment methods are available, including medication, surgery, and emerging stem cell therapy. Without timely treatment, visual field defects may worsen, potentially leading to permanent blindness, making early intervention crucial.

Emerging Treatment Methods

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy repairs damaged optic nerve cells, promotes optic nerve function recovery, and offers a new treatment direction for glaucoma patients. The advantages of this therapy include:

① Efficient repair of damaged nerve tissue

② Improved optic nerve blood supply

③ Delaying degenerative changes of the optic nerve

④ Enhancing stability of the intraocular environment

⑤ Improving patients’ quality of life

Stem cell therapy, combined with modern medical technology, shows promising clinical application prospects.

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Medication

Medication is the basic treatment for glaucoma, mainly by lowering intraocular pressure to reduce stress on the optic nerve. Commonly used drugs include β-blockers, prostaglandin analogs, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Patients must use them regularly as prescribed to avoid worsening of the condition due to discontinuation.

2. Laser Therapy

Laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty can effectively improve aqueous humor drainage and reduce intraocular pressure. The treatment has high safety, fast recovery, and is suitable for certain patients, serving as an important option when medication is ineffective.

3. Conventional Surgery

Includes surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, suitable for moderate to severe patients unresponsive to medication and laser therapy. Surgery can significantly lower intraocular pressure and slow disease progression, but postoperative complications and long-term follow-up should be carefully managed.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

Proper weight control, avoiding strenuous exercise and high-salt diets, maintaining good sleep, and eye hygiene help support treatment, reduce intraocular pressure burden, and enhance overall therapeutic effect.

5. Regular Follow-up Monitoring

Regular ophthalmic examinations to monitor intraocular pressure and optic nerve condition, and timely adjustment of treatment plans, are key to preventing glaucoma progression.

Conclusion

Glaucoma treatment requires comprehensive management. Experts at the United Life International Medical Center emphasize that early diagnosis and personalized treatment are key to protecting vision. Emerging stem cell therapy brings new hope to glaucoma patients, aiming to achieve effective optic nerve repair and long-term disease control. Patients should actively cooperate with doctors, undergo scientific treatment, and safeguard their eye health.