Non-IOP-Lowering and Unconventional IOP-Lowering Treatments for Glaucoma

Introduction The only proven treatment to halt or slow the progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy is to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP). However, in many patients, IOP reduction is insufficient to prevent vision loss. There may be three reasons for this failure: 1) There is progression despite the maximal IOP decrease achievable, whether by medical treatment, laser, or surgery. 2) It can be difficult to reduce IOP in some patients because of poor response to treatments, e.g. non-responders to medications. 3) The risks of large IOP reduction are too great in some patients, e.g. asthma from topical beta-adrenergic blockers or endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy.