Glaucoma is also called the silent thief of vision, as it is an eye disorder caused by damage or excessive pressure on the optic nerves, which connect your eye to your brain. It is the world’s second leading cause of vision loss after cataract. In the United States alone, about three million people are affected by this eye condition.
A healthy supply of eye fluid (ocular fluid) is always required to keep eye pressure stable. The eye condition shows no symptoms early; it can only be diagnosed by regular eye examinations based on age and other associated risk factors. The pressure in the eye is called as intraocular pressure (IOP) increases when either there is a presence of too much fluid in the eye or the drainage of the eye become blocked.
There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma, a long-term eye condition. Another is angle closure glaucoma, which is a chronic condition. The optic nerve damage and vision impairment from glaucoma are irreversible. There are painless tests available to determine IOP, optic nerve status, and visual fields, which are used to diagnose eye conditions. Eye drops are available to treat glaucoma, although lasers and surgery can also be used to treat it. Most cases can be controlled by using ophthalmic solutions and can prevent further vision loss in glaucoma patients. Early treatment is essential to preserve vision in such patients.
Glaucoma treatment with eye drops
Eye drops for glaucoma are discovered to reduce pressure in the eye. These works either increase the ability of the eyes to drain or decrease the amount of fluid they produce. The ophthalmic solutions are meant to be applied directly to the eye. There are different types of eye preparations that are administered to the eye to get rid of high ocular pressure in glaucoma patients:
- Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors-
The class of glaucoma medication has been an important part of glaucoma medical treatment for more than three decades. These are used when IOP has not controlled adequately with other topical medications. Dorzolamide and Brinzolamide are two Glaucoma medications that are very reliable at lowering IOP.
These medicines in the form of eye drops are administered in the eyes to decrease the production of the aqueous humour, which is the eye fluid that your eyes continuously make. Dorzox eye drops, a brand name for Dorzolamide and Azopt Eye drop are easily available at premiumrxdrugs at affordable rates.
- Brinzolamide– The medications are administered thrice daily; it produces a significant additive IOP reduction in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension with fewer side effects.
- Dorzolamide- It works by penetrating the cornea, where it inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the ciliary body. This action slows the production of local bicarbonate and therefore reduces sodium and fluid, ultimately leading to a reduction in aqueous humour.
- Prostaglandin Analogues-
Prostaglandin analogues are another class of glaucoma drugs that decrease IOP in human beings by increasing the outflow of eye fluid via an unvisceral pathway. Latanoprost and Travoprost are important in the emergency and long-term treatment of primary glaucoma. Latanoprost is a more common drug that is used alone as the first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Bimatoprost is another prostaglandin analogue believed to reduce IOP by enhancing uveoscleral outflow. Bimat, Careprost, and Actavis Bimatoprost are brand names for Bimatoprost. Travoprost has been sold under the brand name Travatan eye drops 0.004%. Xalatan eye drops and 9 PM eye drops are the brand names for Latanoprost medications for glaucoma.
Medication Tips
For a complete treatment of glaucoma, it is necessary to use the prescribed eye drop as directed. After applying the eye preparation, blot away excess drops with a tissue or a cloth. Shut your eyes for 3 to 5 minutes, allow the ophthalmic solution to penetrate the eye, and then resume your normal activities.