What Eye Drops are Used to Treat Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common progressive eye disease. Currently, the first line treatment is to use one or more eye drops to help lower the pressure inside of the eye.
These eye drops can work in different ways and can be used together to lower eye pressure more than if only one drop was used. When determining which eye drop to use, the severity of glaucoma, any allergies, and any other medical conditions must be considered.
Basics of Glaucoma
The hallmark of glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve in the back of the eye. Typically, this damage is a result of consistently high eye pressure.
The pressure in the eye is determined by the amount of fluid in the front of the eye. As this fluid is produced, it should also be drained.
If there is too much fluid produced or too little fluid drained, the eye pressure can increase as a result.
When the eye pressure is consistently higher than the normal range, it can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss in the periphery.
Glaucoma is a progressive disease that will worsen over time, however, it usually progresses very slowly and can be managed using medication that reduces the risk of more damage in the future.
The medications used are designed to lower eye pressure and thus lower the risk of damage.
Eye Drops for Glaucoma
There are a few categories of eye drops that are frequently used for glaucoma treatment.
Among the most common eye drops for glaucoma are prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and alpha agonists.
All of these medications act to lower eye pressure by either increasing the drainage of fluid or reducing the production of fluid in the front of the eye.
Prostaglandin Analogs for Glaucoma
Typically, the first line of treatment for glaucoma is a prostaglandin analog drop every night before bed.
These drops act increase the drainage of the fluid out of the eyes.
The potential side effects of these eye drops include redness, stinging, eyelash growth, and change in eye color.
The prostaglandin analogs are known to cause inflammation and should be avoided in anyone with a history of or current eye inflammation or swelling.
Beta Blockers for Glaucoma
Another class of eye drops that are used for managing glaucoma are beta blockers.
These medications are designed to reduce the production of fluid in the front of the eyes.
Like any other beta-blocker medication, the eye drops may have side effects including a slower heart rate and narrowing of the airways.
Since these medications can constrict the airways, they should be avoided by anyone with asthma, COPD, or emphysema.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors for Glaucoma
If prostaglandin analogs and beta blockers are not sufficient to treat glaucoma, an additional medication can be added.
These drops can have a metallic aftertaste and may result in an allergic reaction if there is a sulfa allergy present.
For anyone with sulfa allergies, this class of medications is avoided.
Alpha Agonists for Glaucoma
Another class of medications that can be added to help lower eye pressure is alpha agonists.
These medications both increase drainage and lower the production of fluid in the eye.
The most common side effect of these medications is an allergic response to the eye drop.
For this reason, these drops are not commonly the first treatment used despite an otherwise excellent health and safety profile.
Our eye doctors at GHEye excel in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrists at (571) 445-3692 to schedule your appointment today to be evaluated for glaucoma or if you would like to learn more about the various eye drops available to treat glaucoma. Our eye doctors, Dr. Ally Stoeger and Dr. Jennifer Sun provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Gainesville VA and Haymarket VA
Glaucoma is a common progressive eye disease. Currently, the first line treatment is to use one or more eye drops to help lower the pressure inside of the eye.
These eye drops can work in different ways and can be used together to lower eye pressure more than if only one drop was used. When determining which eye drop to use, the severity of glaucoma, any allergies, and any other medical conditions must be considered.
Basics of Glaucoma
The hallmark of glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve in the back of the eye. Typically, this damage is a result of consistently high eye pressure.
The pressure in the eye is determined by the amount of fluid in the front of the eye. As this fluid is produced, it should also be drained.
If there is too much fluid produced or too little fluid drained, the eye pressure can increase as a result.
When the eye pressure is consistently higher than the normal range, it can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss in the periphery.
Glaucoma is a progressive disease that will worsen over time, however, it usually progresses very slowly and can be managed using medication that reduces the risk of more damage in the future.
The medications used are designed to lower eye pressure and thus lower the risk of damage.
Eye Drops for Glaucoma
There are a few categories of eye drops that are frequently used for glaucoma treatment.
Among the most common eye drops for glaucoma are prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and alpha agonists.
All of these medications act to lower eye pressure by either increasing the drainage of fluid or reducing the production of fluid in the front of the eye.
Prostaglandin Analogs for Glaucoma
Typically, the first line of treatment for glaucoma is a prostaglandin analog drop every night before bed.
These drops act increase the drainage of the fluid out of the eyes.
The potential side effects of these eye drops include redness, stinging, eyelash growth, and change in eye color.
The prostaglandin analogs are known to cause inflammation and should be avoided in anyone with a history of or current eye inflammation or swelling.
Beta Blockers for Glaucoma
Another class of eye drops that are used for managing glaucoma are beta blockers.
These medications are designed to reduce the production of fluid in the front of the eyes.
Like any other beta-blocker medication, the eye drops may have side effects including a slower heart rate and narrowing of the airways.
Since these medications can constrict the airways, they should be avoided by anyone with asthma, COPD, or emphysema.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors for Glaucoma
If prostaglandin analogs and beta blockers are not sufficient to treat glaucoma, an additional medication can be added.
These drops can have a metallic aftertaste and may result in an allergic reaction if there is a sulfa allergy present.
For anyone with sulfa allergies, this class of medications is avoided.
Alpha Agonists for Glaucoma
Another class of medications that can be added to help lower eye pressure is alpha agonists.
These medications both increase drainage and lower the production of fluid in the eye.
The most common side effect of these medications is an allergic response to the eye drop.
For this reason, these drops are not commonly the first treatment used despite an otherwise excellent health and safety profile.