Are You Using the Best Eye Drops for Your Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, usually as a result of high intraocular pressure. Glaucoma, if left untreated, can cause irreversible vision loss, so early intervention is critical. Eye drops are commonly prescribed to treat glaucoma by lowering IOP, but with so many options available, how can you be certain you're using the best one for your condition? Understanding Glaucoma Eye Drops There are several types of glaucoma eye drops, each with a different mechanism for lowering eye pressure. These drops can reduce fluid production in the eye or increase fluid outflow. The most commonly used types are prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, alpha agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and Rho kinase inhibitors. For instance, prostaglandin analogs like latanoprost (including latanoprost 0.005% eye drops ) are often the first line of treatment. These drops increase the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye, thereby reduci...