Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition known as “the silent thief of sight”. Often unnoticed as it develops, it causes damage over time to the optic nerve. 

If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. This is why early detection of it is so important. Each day the condition is allowed to progress represents another day of it causing damage to a person’s vision. 

Fortunately, there are ways to manage glaucoma once it has been diagnosed. Among the most popular treatments are glaucoma eye drops, which we discuss below.

Understanding glaucoma

Glaucoma typically damages the optic nerve through higher intraocular pressure (the amount of pressure in the eye). Since the optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain, this naturally has a bad effect on vision.

In most glaucoma patients, the elevated pressure happens due to eye fluid buildup. Specifically, a fluid called aqueous humour can build up in the eye when something is causing excessive production of it. Alternatively, something could be stopping its drainage. 

It should be noted that aqueous humour is necessary for our eyes to function normally. The fluid even helps give our eyes their shape through volume. But as with most objects, too much of anything can lead to issues – as we see with glaucoma.

How glaucoma eye drops can help

Glaucoma eye drops can help glaucoma patients in different ways. The main purposes they serve would be the following: 

• They reduce the production of aqueous humour.
• They enhance the drainage of aqueous humour. 

Depending on your situation, your doctor may prescribe glaucoma eye drops that do one or the other. Even the type of glaucoma as well as its degree of severity can affect the choice. 

Here are some of the common glaucoma eye drop types that you may be prescribed: 

• Alpha agonists - These glaucoma drops serve two purposes at once. They reduce the production of aqueous humour while boosting its drainage. In most cases, users have to take these anywhere from 2 to 3 times per day.
• Beta blockers - These are chiefly taken to reduce aqueous humour production. Daily dosing is often lower than for alpha agonists, at just 1 to 2 times per day. A popular example is Timolol or Timoptic. 
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors - Not as common as the previous two, these may be found in both eye drop and oral formulations. They generally help glaucoma patients by bringing down their fluid production.
• Prostaglandin analogues - These are often taken only once per day and are used to enhance eye fluid drainage. Latanoprost and bimatoprost are two popular examples. 
• Combination drops - Some eye doctors will see fit to prescribe a combination of two drops, typically from two different glaucoma eye drop categories. This may be done to make the treatment regimen easier to follow for the patient.

Potential side effects of glaucoma eye drops

Like all other medications, glaucoma eye drops can have side effects. Here are a few worth noting:

Increased intraocular pressure

This may seem like an odd side effect to encounter. However, this typically appears only in patients who are often inconsistent in following their prescribed regimen.

Blurry vision

Some people report mild and temporary blurriness after taking glaucoma drops.

Irritation or redness of the eyes

This has also been reported by some patients, with occasional notes about stinging or burning upon use of the medication.

Eye colour alterations

Some of the drops can change eye or skin colour. The prostaglandin analogues, in particular, are often linked to darker irises or eyelids.

Anomalies in the mouth

Some patients have said they get dry mouth or even taste bitterness in their mouths after some of the eye drops.

Light sensitivity

This is more often reported for prostaglandin analogues than other types of glaucoma drops.

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The importance of consistency in glaucoma eye drop regimens

Consistency is key in managing glaucoma with medication. As mentioned earlier, skipping doses or failing to follow dosage schedules can even lead to negative side effects for patients. 

Careful adherence to a treatment plan can do much to stave off vision loss. Hence, patients are advised to establish a routine that includes reminders and check-ups. This can help glaucoma patients better manage the condition.

Get screening or help for glaucoma today

Prescription eye drops play a crucial role in glauco ma management, but the guidance of an eye health professional has to be involved as well. Whether it’s to diagnose the condition or prescribe the right eye drops, an eye doctor is necessary for a chance at the best outcome.

If you want to learn more about glaucoma management or even get screened for it, reach out to us. We can book you an appointment with our eye health professionals today.