Different Eye Drops for Glaucoma
Different Eye Drops for Glaucoma
Glaucoma can cause loss of vision. It is caused by optic nerve damage
and increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). A fluid
known as the aqueous humor is normally produced in the front of the
eye and then drained. However, when this drainage does not occur properly,
pressure within the eye begins to increase. Primary open-angle
glaucoma and acute closed-angle glaucoma are the most common types
of this condition. While primary open-angle glaucoma is characterized
by gradually decreasing peripheral vision in both eyes, acute closedangle
glaucoma occurs suddenly and is characterized by severe eye
pain, redness, and blurred vision.
There are several different types of eye drops commonly prescribed
for glaucoma. Beta blocker-type eye drops include levobunolol (Betagan),
timolol (Timoptic), and betaxolol (Betoptic). These eye drops decrease
the production of aqueous humor. Alpha agonist drugs such as
apraclonidine (Iopidine) and brimonidine (Alphagan) also decrease the
production of aqueous humor, as well as increase the drainage of aqueous
humor. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor drugs are also prescribed to
decrease the production of aqueous humor. Dorzolamide (Trusopt) and
brinzolamide (Azopt) are examples.