Glaucoma causes blindness by damaging the nerve cells located in the back of the eye and often occurs without increased pressure in the eye. Many doctors believe glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease, rather than just a disease of high intraocular pressure. There is interest in treatments that help protect the nerve cells in the eye from damage caused by glaucoma (neuroprotective therapy). Although a number of neuroprotective therapies are being investigated, none has yet been proven to be both safe and effective in the treatment of glaucoma.

Because glaucoma can't be cured and treatment does not always prevent further loss of vision, people may try alternative unproven treatment methods, such as acupuncture or marijuana. Some alternative or complementary treatments have been tried for glaucoma, but most either have not been studied or have not been proven to work. Some unproven treatment methods for glaucoma can be expensive and time-consuming. A few, such as vitamin and nutrient supplements, may be hazardous to your health.