Understanding Glaucoma Eye Drops: Types and How They Work

Glaucoma is a term used to describe several related eye diseases. People with glaucoma usually have high fluid pressure in their eyes and optic nerve damage. Glaucoma eye drops are used to lower fluid pressure in the eyes.

Types

• The main types of glaucoma eye drops are: adreneric agonists, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hyperosmotics, prostaglandin analogs, and cholinergics.

Function

• Glaucoma eye drop medications will either lower the amount of fluid your eye produces (adreneric agonists, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hyperosmotics), or increase the amount of fluid your eye releases (adreneric agonists, prostaglandin analogs, cholinergics).

Significance

• Medicated eye drops are the first line of treatment for glaucoma, and your doctor may try different types of eye drops until the right fluid level is maintained.

Warning

• Some glaucoma eye drops can lower blood pressure or cause allergic reactions; make sure your glaucoma specialist knows your full health history and any medications you take.

Considerations

• There's no cure for glaucoma, but medicated eye drops can help control the disease and prevent permanent loss of vision.