What Are the Major Drugs Used for the Treatment of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. Abnormally high pressure in your eyes can result in optic nerve damage, causing your vision to decrease and eventually leading to blindness.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

• Symptoms include tunnel vision in one or both eyes, decrease in vision, headache, and a gradual loss of peripheral vision.

Eyedrops for Glaucoma

• Eyedrops are the most commonly prescribed treatment for glaucoma. Medications in the drops help reduce pressure in the eyes and decrease the production of intraocular fluid. Drugs commonly used in the drops include beta blockers Betagen and Betoptic; alpha agonists Iopidine and Alphagan; carbonic anhydrase inhibitors Trusopt and Azopt; prostaglandin-like compunds Xalatan and Lumigna; and miotic or cholinergic angents Isopoto Carpine and Pilopine.

Side Effects of Eyedrops

• Possible side effects may include burning or stinging in the eyes, irritation and eye redness, dry nose and mouth, and blurred vision. Less common side effects may include a drop in blood pressure, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Oral Drugs for Treatment of Glaucoma

• Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are also used to treat glaucoma. These work by reducing eye pressure and decreasing the production of intraocular fluid. Other oral drugs are being researched to help reduce damage to the optic nerve.

Side Effects of Oral Drugs

• Side effects from oral drugs may include tingling in your hands and feet, stomach upset, memory problems, and frequent urination.