Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve (nerve of the eye which connects eye to the brain) and it can lead to blindness if not detected and controlled in time. Glaucoma usually happens when fluid builds up in the front portion of the eye. Pressure increases inside the eye as a result which in turn can damage the optic nerve and can eventually steal the sight.
Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only reliable treatment for glaucoma that maintains the patient’s visual function throughout life, and IOP-lowering eyedrops are the mainstay of therapy. These eye drops are regularly prescribed to most Glaucoma patients.
Dr. Mehta was one such patient. He was detected to be a case of Glaucoma during his routine eye check-up. Because of the initial suspicion, we did a detailed glaucoma evaluation with glaucoma tests like Applanation Tonometry, Gonioscopy, visual fields, OCT and corneal thickness. He was confirmed to be a case of glaucoma and we advised him one eye drop at bedtime to be used forever. After 3 months he came for his review follow-up. His eye pressure was high. After initial surprise I realized that he stopped using the eye drop on his own. He was fed up of using the eye drop every day! But really this is not how Glaucoma can be controlled.
Eyedrop medicines are helpful in treating glaucoma. Every dose, every day—it can save your sight! It is extremely important to use your glaucoma eye drops exactly as your ophthalmologist tells you to. That includes taking every dose, every day. If you do not do this, you may lose vision.
There are many different types of glaucoma medicines and your ophthalmologist may have you take more than one of the following glaucoma eyedrop medicines.
Most commonly used glaucoma eye drops are:
Prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma
Prostaglandin analogs work by increasing the drainage of fluid out of your eye. This helps to lower the eye pressure. It is one of the most commonly used eyedrops for glaucoma management. There can be a few possible side effects of prostaglandin analogs eye drops like mild redness of the eyes, foreign body sensation, mild blurry vision, a temporary/ permanent change in your eye color ,an increase in thickness, number and length of eyelashes, darkening of the eyelid.
Most of these side effects like Blurry vision, stinging, and redness improves with time. But if the side effects still bother you, call your ophthalmologist. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Most side effects go away when the medication is stopped. Never suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor for glaucoma
Ripasudil Hydrochloride Hydrate is a ROCK inhibitor and is a newer glaucoma medication that lowers IOP by increasing conventional aqueous outflow. With regard to efficacy, ripasudil is expected to lower IOP in almost all glaucoma subtypes (including primary open-angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and primary angle-closure glaucoma) and in all patterns of treatment initiation. Some possible but rare side effects of Ripasudil include mild redness of the eyes. Blepharitis and allergic conjunctivitis may also develop.
Beta-blockers for glaucoma
Beta-blockers work by reducing the amount of fluid production inside the eye. This helps to lower the pressure inside the eye. Beta-blockers eye drops may show minor side effects like redness, stinging, and blurry vision. People with asthma, emphysema, or COPD, and heart disease should be careful while suing these eye drops. Most side effects go away when the medication is stopped. Never suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Alpha agonists for glaucoma
Alpha agonists also work by reducing the amount of fluid production inside the eye. They also increase the amount of fluid that drains out of the eyes. Both these actions help to lower the eye pressure. Just like other glaucoma eye drops there can be minor side effects like redness, stinging after using drops, allergy (redness, itching, tearing and swelling of the eye) and a large (dilated) pupil. Occasionally some people may experience headaches, dry mouth, tiredness, and dizziness. It is better to not drive or operate machinery if your glaucoma eye drops make you feel tired or drowsy!
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for glaucoma
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors work by reducing the amount of fluid production inside the eye. This helps to lower the eye pressure. Your ophthalmologist may have you take this medicine as an eye drop or by mouth as a pill.
Besides these eye drops there are a few more which are not very commonly used. Ultimately there are many eyedrops which are available. However, the best eye drops to control your glaucoma depends on many factors. Your glaucoma eye doctor can decide that for you after doing a battery of glaucoma tests on your eyes. It is very important to remember that Glaucoma can be controlled with eye drops, these eye drops may cause minor side effects and can be easily managed, these eye drops should not be stopped without advice from your eye doctor and if left untreated glaucoma can lead to blindness!
About Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute:
Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute in Navi Mumbai is one of the best eye hospitals in Mumbai. Eye check-up rooms and the operation theatres are state-of-art and equipped with the best diagnostic and surgery machines. Personalised care, infection free modular operation theatres and beautiful ambience compliment the cutting-edge eye care offered at AEHI. Besides treating patients from Kharghar, Nerul, Seawoods, Sanpada, Belapur, Vashi, Ghansoli, Airoli and Panvel, patients from all over western India travel to AEHI for world class eye care management.
About Dr. Rajesh Mishra
Dr. Rajesh Mishra (MBBS, MS, FAEH, and PGDHM) is a Glaucoma and Cataract surgeon at Advanced Eye Hospital near Vashi, Navi Mumbai. He is trained from the best institutions and has years of experience managing glaucoma and cataract patients. Besides his clinical skills, his patients love him for his communication skills. He has successfully treated a variety of glaucoma patients, children and adults, as well as operated more than ten thousand cataracts and glaucoma.
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