Eye Drops for Glaucoma

The term 'glaucoma' refers to a group of eye conditions that could cause damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma could even lead to a loss of vision. Prolonged use of corticosteroids, nearsightedness, eye injuries, inflammatory eye conditions, diabetes and hypothyroidism are the risk factors for glaucoma. People with a family history of glaucoma are also at a risk of developing this condition. Abnormally high intra-ocular pressure in the eye is one of the most common causes of this eye condition. 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. Under such circumstances, 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. Instilling eye drops for glaucoma can help in lowering the eye pressure, thereby lowering the risk of impaired vision or tunnel vision.

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.

Eye Drops for Treating Glaucoma

The treatment options that the doctors may recommend would vary depending on the condition of the eye. Doctors may recommend laser procedures, surgery or the administration of eye drops for the treatment of this eye condition. Out of the following options, administering glaucoma drops emerges as the most commonly used method for treating glaucoma. These eye drops 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 that are prescribed 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 eye drops prescribed by your ophthalmologist.

How to Instill Eye Drops

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 eyelid. 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 instilling other eye drops, always keep a gap of at least 10-15 minutes while instilling different eye drops. If your hands shake, wrap a small towel around the bottle to get a better grip. Instill these eye drops as per the doctor's advice.

Side Effects of these Eye Drops

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you might have to administer the drops daily. If you have been experiencing some side effects, inform the ophthalmologist. Those who are using 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. Eye drops with alpha agonists could give rise to allergic reactions, headaches, fatigue, dryness of mouth and nose.

If you have been experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, seek medical help. For those diagnosed with glaucoma, regular checkups will help in monitoring the intra-ocular pressure. Take all the necessary precautions to protect your eyes.