Glaucoma Medications

Glaucoma is defined as a set of eye disorders or eye problems that occur when the pressure on the eyeball increases due to damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma can occur at any age, however it is commonly seen in older people. It is also one of the most significant causes of impaired vision or even blindness.

Glaucoma Causes
Increased intraocular pressure caused due to optic nerve damage is the cause of glaucoma. However, the reasons that cause the nerve damage or pressure are unknown. Sometimes, it is also observed that nerve damage occurs even when there is no pressure. The reason for this condition is also not known. There are several types of glaucoma; open angle glaucoma and acute closed angle glaucoma being the most common ones; which are caused due to different reasons. Sudden dilation of the pupil and dispersion of pigment granules in the inner part of the eye can also cause glaucoma.

On the other hand, it is believed that reduced supply of blood or extreme sensitivity of the optic nerve can be the potential causes of glaucoma. Any person can contract this disease, however, it is found that some people are at a higher risk of contracting it. People with a family history of glaucoma; those suffering from diabetes, migraine, high blood pressure, myopia (nearsightedness) are at a risk. On the other hand, eye injury or prolonged use of corticosteroids can also increase the chances of glaucoma in people.

Symptoms
Most of the time, hardly any symptoms are observed in the initial stage of glaucoma. A person notices the presence of an eye disorder only when he experiences blurred vision. In case of open angle glaucoma, loss of peripheral vision is observed in both the eyes. As the disease progresses, the person also experiences tunnel vision. In case of acute closed angle glaucoma, other symptoms like severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, reddening of eye and halos around eyes are also observed. The person may also have a general feeling of being sick or ill.

Glaucoma Treatment with Medication
As mentioned above, it is difficult to diagnose glaucoma at the initial stage as no symptoms are visible unless blurred or loss of vision is observed. Therefore, older people are advised to undergo regular screening for quicker diagnosis. Similarly, younger and middle aged people should also undertake annual eye checkup. Any malfunction, abnormality or pain in the eye should be reported to the doctor immediately. There are several forms of glaucoma tests which help in diagnosis of the disease. If glaucoma is left untreated, it can lead to permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma treatment includes use of medications or surgery. The aim of glaucoma treatment is to reduce the intraocular pressure,e chances of further complications and eye damage.

Medications of glaucoma can be used individually or even in combination. Ophthalmic Beta-Blockers are most extensively used to reduce pressure in the inner eye. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors are also helpful in reducing the fluid present in chambers of the eye which consequently lower the pressure. Miotics is yet another drug that constricts the pupil, allows the fluid to flow out of the channels which results in lowered pressure. Alpha-Agonists, Adrenergic Agonists and Prostaglandins are other glaucoma medications that also carry out the same function. Apart from these, oral medications and eye drops are also used. If these medications prove ineffective, doctors advice surgery for treating glaucoma. Laser eye surgery and trabeculectomy are effective surgical procedures for treating glaucoma.

Although there are a few side effects of these medications, they are very effective in treating glaucoma. As a concluding note, one should remember that glaucoma can be treated if diagnosed at an earlier stage.