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Laser treatment
For many people with open angle glaucoma or high eye pressure, NICE recommends selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as the first treatment. It is a quick, painless laser that helps fluid drain from the eye. It may mean you do not need eye drops, or need fewer.
Eye drops
Drops such as latanoprost lower eye pressure. They must be used every day, usually for life, even though you will not notice a difference.
- wash your hands, tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid
- press gently on the inner corner of your eye for a minute afterwards
- leave 5 minutes between different drops
- ask your pharmacist about an eye drop aid if you find it hard
Surgery
If drops and laser do not control the pressure, you may be offered surgery, such as a trabeculectomy, to create a new drainage channel.
Regular checks
You will have regular checks at the eye clinic for life to make sure treatment is working.
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