Medicated Eyedrops

• The initial treatment of glaucoma usually involves a prescription of medicated eyedrops. These drops help reduce the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of aqueous humor (fluid) or increase its drainage.
  
  

Oral Medication

• When drops alone do not work for an elderly patient, a doctor may prescribe oral medications to help lower eye pressure. These medications are often carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
  
  

Laser Surgery

• In some instances, elderly glaucoma patients may require surgery. Laser surgery creates an opening in the eye that allows the aqueous humor to drain more freely.
  
  

Implants

• In a different type of surgery, tiny silicone tubes are implanted in the eyes to help drain the aqueous humor.
  
  

Neuroprotective Drugs

• Neuroprotective drugs are especially helpful for elderly glaucoma patients. These drugs help to preserve vision by limiting the amount of damage that is inflicted upon the optic nerve.