In open-angle glaucoma, there may be a loss of peripheral or side vision. However, because patients typically don't have damage in the same spot in each eye, and because the brain integrates what both eyes see into one image, patients don't always notice the vision loss until it is dangerously advanced. As it progresses, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve to the point that central vision is affected, and blindness inevitable. Thus, early detection and treatment is critical. Treatments for Glaucoma Eye drops, laser surgery, and standard surgery are the mainstays of therapy for glaucoma.
Many drugs have fewer side-effects and can be taken less frequently.
Most treatment for glaucoma tries to lower pressure in the eye to slow damage to cells and to save sight. A study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology in October 1998 showed that, for most people, low pressure truly does slow the progression of the disease. A new study, published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences in August 1999, may help researchers find an answer for people whose eye pressure cannot be controlled, or for those who still have damage when pressure is controlled. Aminoguanidine works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme which makes nitric oxide in excess. This enzyme, nitric oxide synthase, has been found in the optic nerve tissue of patients with glaucoma.