Glaucoma: Eye Drops for Glaucoma

Are you suffering from glaucoma? Eye drops for glaucoma could help in treating this eye condition. Read on to know more about glaucoma eye drops.

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition, which if left untreated, could even lead to a loss of vision. It is caused when high intra-ocular pressure is built up in the eye. Our eye contains a liquid called aqueous humor which keeps the eye pressure under control and also carries nutrients to our eyes. When the intra-ocular pressure becomes high, it results in improper functioning of drain canals in the eye and excess aqueous humor might get filled up in the eye. This can cause serious damage to the optic nerve. Since, the optic nerve carries the images to the brain, the damage in the nerve fibers may lead to development of small blind spots in the peripheral vision. If the high intra-ocular pressure persists and the entire optic nerve is destroyed, one could suffer from a complete loss of vision. An early diagnosis could really prove beneficial in treatment of glaucoma. So, if you have been experiencing eye problems like headaches, photosensitivity, eye pain, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting or halos around lights, get an ophthalmological examination done. Glaucoma eye drops could be used to lower your eye pressure and decrease the chances of you getting glaucoma symptoms like tunnel vision or impaired vision. Read more on glaucoma.

Types of Glaucoma

If during an eye checkup, you have an elevated intra-ocular pressure or ocular hypertension, ophthalmologists might consider you as a glaucoma suspect. It doesn’t mean you have glaucoma, but you are at an increased risk of developing this eye condition. Chronic glaucoma could develop with aging, but even infants and children could be affected by glaucoma.

Primary congenital glaucoma, as the name suggests, appears soon after birth and it has visible symptoms like cloudiness of cornea, tearing and photosensitivity. Childhood glaucoma is rare but children could develop this condition if it runs in the family. Other types of glaucoma are chronic glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle (acute) glaucoma

and secondary glaucoma. Read more on:

• Glaucoma Eye Disease
• Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Eye Drops for Glaucoma The treatment will vary depending on your eye condition, the options available are glaucoma eye drops, laser procedures or surgery. Out of the following options, glaucoma drops emerge as the most commonly used method for treating glaucoma. Eye drops for glaucoma assist in better drainage of aqueous humor and thereby, lower intra-ocular pressure and give protection against damage to optic nerve. The classification of the glaucoma eye drops depends on their active ingredient. Eye drops for glaucoma include beta blockers, prostaglandin analogs, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and alpha agonists. Beta blockers like Timolol decrease the production of fluid, whereas prostaglandin analogs like Travatan”, Xalatan”, and Lumigan” treat glaucoma by raising the level of fluid flowing out from the eye. Alpha agonists like Alphagan” P and iopidine” decrease the production of fluid and assist by increasing its drainage as well. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like Trusopt” decrease the production of intra ocular fluid and thus, help in lowering the high pressure. In some cases where patients need more than one drug, combination drugs like Cosopt” might be used. It would be advisable to use only the glaucoma eye drops prescribed by your ophthalmologist. Read more on glaucoma medications.

Glaucoma Eye Drops: How to Use

Having trouble putting in the eye drops? Well, you must consult your ophthalmologist and use only the prescribed drops. Let your doctor be aware about allergies or any other drugs you might be taking. Before instilling the drops, make sure your hands are clean. Never let the nozzle or the tip of the dropper touch your eye. For putting the drops, tilt your head backward and gently pull down the area below the lower eye lid. Let the drop fall into the pocket and close your eyes very gently. Don’t shut them tightly or your eyes might not retain any of it. Press on the inner corner using your index finger and thumb for a couple of minutes. If you put more than one drop, it might run out of the eye, so use a soft tissue to wipe your eyes. Follow the instructions given on the medicine and if you are using more than one glaucoma eye drop, always keep a gap of at least 10-15 minutes between the drops. If your hands shake, wrap a small towel around the bottle to get a better grip. Another aspect is to be regular while taking eye drops for glaucoma.

Eye Drops for Glaucoma: Side Effects If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you might have to administer the drops daily so be prepared to deal with the issue of glaucoma eye drops cost, but eye drops for glaucoma can really help in lowering the risk of glaucoma and treating it. In case, you have been experiencing some side effects, make sure you mention it to your ophthalmologist. Some people taking eye drops with prostaglandin analogs might see changes in eye color and blurred vision, redness, burning, itching and change in eyelid skin. Side effects of beta blockers include reduced pulse rate, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, reduced sex drive and depression. Some people taking carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as eye drops, might experience stinging, burning sensation and discomfort in the eyes, in pill form, some experience side effects like tingling sensation in hands and feet, depression, memory problems, frequent urination and stomach upset. Eye drops with alpha agonists could give rise to allergic reactions, headaches, fatigue, dryness of mouth and nose. So, if you are experiencing any of these side effects, make sure you seek advice from your doctor. If eye drops aren’t helping, you also have the option of surgery. Read more eye surgery options

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Hope you found this information useful. If you have been experiencing any symptoms, make sure you get your eyes checked. For those diagnosed with glaucoma, regular checkups will help in monitoring the intra-ocular pressure. Take all precautions and protect your eyes. Take care!