Open-angle glaucoma may not cause any symptoms until irreversible damage has developed. Usually, the diagnosis is made by checking intraocular pressure. Therefore, every routine eye examination should include a test of intraocular pressure. Treatment Treatment is more likely to be successful if started early. Once vision is greatly impaired, treatment may prevent further deterioration, but it usually can't restore vision completely.
Medicated eyedrops can usually control open-angle glaucoma.
Pilocarpine, which constricts the pupils and increases drainage from the anterior chamber, is also helpful. A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, such as acetazolamide, can be taken by mouth, or dorzolamide can be used as eyedrops. If medication can't control eye pressure or if side effects are intolerable, an eye surgeon can increase drainage from the anterior chamber by using laser therapy to create a hole in the iris or using surgery to cut out part of the iris. In people with this condition, the space between the cornea and iris where fluid filters out of the eye is narrower than normal. When fluid drainage is blocked, intraocular pressure suddenly increases.