Problems with Glaucoma Drops – Part 3 of 8

Problems with Glaucoma Drops – Part 3 of 8

Glaucoma treatment most often starts with prescribing eye drops. They are used to help the fluid in the eyes to drain better and lower intraocular pressure. Some eye drops are also meant to reduce the amount of the fluid that the eyes produce. When a doctor prescribes eye drops for glaucoma, it is important to take the medication regularly. The problem with eye drops is that it is easy to forget a dose when the condition is not exhibiting any symptoms.

Treating Glaucoma with Eye Drops

Since, treating glaucoma with eye drops is a lifelong treatment, it is important that the eye drops are chosen carefully. As the patients have to take these eye drops several times a day, every day for life, the compliance to take them becomes an issue. Additionally, these eye drops have mild to severe side effects that can disrupt the patient’s life quality. Another problem with the eye drops is that it is ingested by the body through blood stream that can result in some heart and breathing problems.

Types of Eye Drops

There are a number of eye drops available to treat glaucoma. Frequently used eye drops to treat glaucoma are:

Prostaglandin Analogs

These eye drops increase the amount of fluid that drains from the eyes and ease intraocular pressure. They are administered one drop once a day. Side effects of the drops include redness of the eye that may fade in a few weeks, darkening of the color of iris and the skin around the eye, and excessive growth of eyelashes that may curl inwards after a while scratching the cornea.

Beta Blockers

These eye drops are meant to reduce the amount of fluids that the eyes make lowering pressure in the eyes. They are administered one drop twice a day. Side effects of this type of eye drop include lower blood pressure and heart rate, dizziness, insomnia, impotence, and decreased libido. They can also alter the lipid profile and inhibit the symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetics.

Alpha-adrenergic agonists

These drops help reduce the amount of fluids the eyes make and also help in improved draining of the fluid. They are administered one drop thrice a day. The side effects of the drops include allergic reaction and itching in the eyes, low blood pressure, respiratory depression, and excessive drowsiness.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

These are the rarely used drops to treat glaucoma. They lower the eye pressure as they curb the amount of fluid produced by the eyes. Side effects of the drops include a stinging sensation in the eyes and a bitter taste in mouth.

Consult Today

While eye drops are the first step in the treatment of glaucoma, they are not suitable for everyone. The severe side effects of the drops can disrupt the patient’s quality of life extensively. If you are experiencing the symptoms of glaucoma, ask your doctor for the best course of treatment. When you are looking for an ophthalmologist in or around Texas, Texas Eye and Cataract center is here to help. Our team of seasoned eye surgeons have expertise in the treatment of a variety of eye problems including intraocular hypertension and glaucoma. To book an appointment or to get answers to any questions related to glaucoma, call 469-505-2020 or email info@teceyecare.com.

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