Cost of Glaucoma Surgery and Medications

Glaucoma affects over two million people in the United States, most of those over the age of 50. It has been estimated that approximately $1.56 billion is spent on glaucoma treatment per year. With current knowledge, glaucoma cannot be cured; its progress can be slowed or even temporarily halted. Because of this, glaucoma patients, once diagnosed, have to endure a lifetime of periodic treatments and the associated costs.

Price of Glaucoma Medications

In the United States, drug therapy is the first line of treatment for glaucoma, before resorting to surgery. The average patient undergoing drug therapy (medicated eye drops) will spend up to $1,750 per year on medications. The purpose of the medications is to reduce the intraocular pressure that ultimately damages the optic nerve. This is accomplished either by reducing the fluid production of the eye or by increasing the outflow of the fluid that is produced.

Price of Glaucoma Surgery

If drug therapy fails, laser surgery or conventional surgery will be considered. The goal of surgery is to increase the outflow of fluid. In the case of open-angle glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork that drains fluid from a healthy eye is clogged and is either opened or bypassed by surgery. In the case of closed-angle glaucoma, surgery is used to create an opening in the iris, to allow fluid to pass freely from the front to the back of the eye.

The price of glaucoma surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the area of the country where it is performed. Visit your ophthalmologist for more information about the price of glaucoma surgery.

Speak to a Doctor in Your Area for Price Information

If you need information about diagnosis, treatment, or the price of glaucoma surgery, DocShop can help you locate an ophthalmologist in your area who specializes in glaucoma treatment.