How is glaucoma treated?

As there is no definitive cure, the main aim of glaucoma treatment is to reduce risk factors for progression.
Of all known factors, raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most relevant, making pressure reduction the main target of treatment.

IOP can be lowered with topical medication in the form of eye drops and, less commonly, tablets. There are several classes of medication, some more appropriate for particular glaucoma subtypes.
Eye drops are usually used as first-line treatment, although laser treatments are increasingly used. The most common include selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to reduce IOP in open-angle glaucoma and iridotomy, typically used in narrow-angle glaucoma.
When necessary, surgery may also be performed to improve IOP control. The main reasons for considering laser treatment or surgery are:

1 – Insufficient IOP control with topical medication
2 – Significant disease progression despite maximum topical treatment
3 – Eye drop intolerance due to allergy or toxicity
4 – An expressed wish to reduce the need for pressure-lowering eye drops

Several surgical alternatives are available today, and no single technique should be used across all types of glaucoma.
The best option usually depends on the type of glaucoma and the condition of the eye. Your ophthalmologist can advise which is most suitable for you.

Canaloplasty

Deep sclerectomy

Trabeculectomy

Lens surgery

Learn more:

▶Watch video on YouTube ↗Original video in Portuguese

Laser treatment for glaucoma: learn about SLT, iridotomy, iridoplasty and goniopuncture through explanatory animations. ↗

This information does not replace an individual medical assessment. Follow the advice of the team looking after you.

Dr. Nuno Lopes · Patient information
Editorial presentation updated on 27 October 2026. Your team's individual instructions take priority.