Medications for Glaucoma Treatment: Saving Your Eyesight
Here at Papale Eye Center, we always attempt to work conservatively when it comes to addressing serious vision problems. The people of Springfield deserve excellent eye care, and that tends to mean working in a manner that assesses a situation and then acts appropriately.
If we are able to diagnose or detect glaucoma early, the ideal treatment will typically involve the use of medications in combination with lifestyle improvements. Let’s take a broad look at the medications commonly used to treat glaucoma.
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the most serious forms of permanent vision loss that a person can face. The condition is caused by an increase in intraocular pressure that results in damage to the optic nerve. The effects of glaucoma are irreversible, so treatments for the condition are predominantly aimed at slowing the rate of vision loss or maintaining current vision.
Eye drops are the most common kinds of medications used to treat glaucoma, but oral medications can also be used to address the condition. Let’s look at some of the common medication types.
Alpha Agonists
Alpha agonists are used to help increase the drainage of fluid within a person’s eye. This drug will also help reduce the amount of fluid produced by the eye. While generic versions of these drugs are available, they are marketed under the brand names Alphagan and Propine.
Potential side effects of alpha agonists include:
- Reduced heart rate
- Lower blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Beta Blockers
The second most common kind of glaucoma medication, beta blockers are used to decrease the amount of fluid within your eyes. Generic beta blockers are available, though they are marketed under the brand names Timoptic, Betagan, Betimol, and Ocupress.
Potential side effects of beta blockers include:
- Reduced heart rate
- Lower blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (CAIs)
Like beta blockers, CAIs are used in order to reduce the production of intraocular fluid. CAIs are available in both pill form and eye drop form, and they are marketed under the names Azopt, Diamox, and Trusopt.
Potential side effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) include:
- Itchiness and stinging in the eyes (eye drop form)
- Upset stomach (pill form)
- Depression (pill form)
- Tingling hands (pill form)
- Tingling feet (pill form)
- Frequent need to urinate (pill form)
Prostaglandin Analogs
Prostaglandin analogs are taken in order to improve the outflow of fluid from a person’s eyes. Available in generic form like all of the drugs listed, prostaglandin analogs are marketed under the brand names Lumigan, Travatan, and Xalatan.
Potential side effects of prostaglandin analogs include:
- Changes in eye color
- Changes in skin color of the eyelids
- Blurry vision
- Red eye
- Itchy eyes
- Burning sensation of eyes
Combining Medications
When a single glaucoma medication is not enough to improve overall wellness and results, it’s not uncommon for combinations of glaucoma medications to be used. The ideal combination of medications can be discussed in greater detail during your consultation at the practice.
Learn More About Treating Glaucoma
For more information about glaucoma and how it can be treated effectively, be sure to contact our advanced vision correction center today. The team here at Papale Eye Center looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve good eyesight and maintain total wellness.