Lincoln, NE
A 58-year-old female asked:
Recently diagnosed with glaucoma. how many months might it take before you know if initial treatment has stabilized condition?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Sheron Marshallanswered
Ophthalmology 27 years experience
The next visit: When treatment is started, we usually see patients 6-8 weeks later to check pressure, then typically every 3-4 months. Eye pressure gives some indication of stability. We also look at the appearance of the optic nerve to detect changes. Finally, formal visual field testing, done every 6-12 months, tells stability.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. William Dieckanswered
Ophthalmology 40 years experience
6-12 months: If a 30% reduction in pressure is achieved, you can be pretty sure the progression is arrested. Testing the many parameters followed in glaucoma patient (visual field, retinal nerve fiber layer, c:d volume, etc) can take a year to be sure they are not worsening.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 8, 2015
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