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Although there is no cure for glaucoma, most people are able to manage their condition successfully with the use of eye drops, laser treatment, surgery or a combination of all three. 

The purpose all glaucoma treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye in order to prevent deterioration of the optic nerves which causes vision loss.  Treatment varies from person to person, so please discuss with your ophthalmologist what the best approach is for you.

It is important to note that while treatment can prevent vision loss, it cannot restore sight already lost to glaucoma, which is why early detection is so important.

It is important to be educated, informed and feel involved in your glaucoma treatment, particularly concerning eye drops; the mainstay of glaucoma treatment. Patients who are educated on the importance and goals of their treatment tend to more successfully adhere to their treatment.
Clinical A/Prof Andrew White
Glaucoma can be hereditary

In many cases, glaucoma is an inherited (genetic) disease that is passed on within families. First degree relatives (parents, siblings and children) are at greater risk - having an almost 1 in 4 chance of developing glaucoma in their own lifetime, and that risk doubles if the relative has advanced glaucoma. 

Margery's Story

'Two of my sisters developed glaucoma and like me, one of my daughters has now also developed the beginning of glaucoma. It seems to only affect the girls in the family!'