Is the glaucoma curable? Chances of cure and an outlook

Is the glaucoma curable? Early detection and treatment can halt progression, preserving vision effectively.

It is possible to reduce intraocular pressure, which can help to slow down or halt the progressive loss of vision. However, it is important to understand that glaucoma cannot be cured, as any damage to the optic nerve that has already occurred is irreversible.

Research in the field of glaucoma is showing promising developments. Researchers around the world are working intensively on more effective treatment options that could potentially lead to a cure in the future. Here are some of the major research programmes that are already producing promising results.

New approaches to medication

There are ongoing advances in the field of medication, including contact lenses that can deliver medication and micropumps that could eliminate the need for daily eye drops.

Genetic and cellular regeneration therapies

Current experiments in this area raise hopes that these therapies could help to prevent or even reverse damage to the optic nerve tissue in the future.

Cataract surgery

There is promising evidence that cataract surgery can effectively treat glaucoma.

Innovative stents

New stents are available that can be inserted in the ophthalmologist’s surgery using a simple syringe, eliminating the need for costly surgery.

Other technologies

In addition to contact lens-based drug delivery systems, there are contact lenses to monitor intraocular pressure, implantable drug pumps, special glasses to magnify the field of vision and technologies that can transmit visual signals directly to the brain. These developments show promising ways in which glaucoma could be treated more effectively in the future.