Glaucoma is a severe disease that damages the optic nerve and leads to blindness if not treated timely. Open-angle glaucoma is one of the most common types of glaucoma that forms excessive pressure inside the eye, causing critical harm to the eye lens. One should consult the eye specialist in case of any eye problem, such as blurry or cloudy vision, eye pain, or headache. On-time diagnosis and proper glaucoma treatment can prevent blindness.
Get advice from experienced doctors at Dr. Agarwals hospitals for any kind of eye-related problems. Although there is no complete cure for glaucoma, several clinical trials have been conducted with groups of doctors, patients, and caregivers to establish therapeutic strategies to prevent, delay, or identify effective glaucoma treatments.
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Traditional laser trial for glaucoma treatment
In 1984, a research study funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) explored argon laser therapy for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma by recruiting 271 people. The participants are randomly experimented with standard medical treatment in one eye and argon laser therapy in another. After two years of follow-up in the clinical trials, argon therapy is found to be a safe and effective glaucoma treatment for lowering eye pressure.
Fluorouracil filtering surgery clinical trials
The clinical trials are conducted by NEI further for predicting whether drug 5-fluorouracil is an effective medication for stopping the growth of scar tissue after glaucoma surgery. The trial was conducted by applying 5-FU injections and standard postsurgical care randomly among the patients. The results of this clinical trial revealed that 5-FU injections are safe to use and a remedial solution in glaucoma treatment.
Effective glaucoma treatment by SLT
The future outcome of glaucoma treatment will be driven by advanced technology like artificial intelligence diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures. The new research study and clinical trial explore the path of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) instead of traditional eye drops. According to the study, SLT can significantly reduce the need for eye drops. Moreover, the introduction of visual fields, imaging technology, and patient education in addition to SLT is expected to be a promising diagnostic tool for preventing glaucoma. The findings of this research study are expected to be a first-line glaucoma treatment in the upcoming future.
Medical therapy for orphan disease, pediatric glaucoma
Pediatric glaucoma is one of the rarest diseases that many children suffer from at birth. Recent medical and surgical advancements are successfully paving the path for managing these genetically borne diseases. The clinical study reveals that the application of betaxolol or timolol in patients under six years of age has given a significant reduction of IOP (intraocular pressure).
A more multifaceted approach is required to identify effective glaucoma treatment in combination with the surgery and medication. Numerous trials have been conducted on the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Medical, surgical, and behavioral clinical trials with four phases (I, II, III, and IV) have been conducted, but the success rates of phase II and phase III trials are considerably lower and yet to be explored. In addition to surgical intervention, the dietary supplements are also assessed to predict the anti-glaucomatous effect.
