How does medication control the progression of glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and potentially blindness. While there is no known cure for glaucoma, medication is a common treatment option used to slow or control its progression.

How Medication Controls Glaucoma Progression

The primary goal of glaucoma medication is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the pressure inside the eye. High IOP is one of the main risk factors for glaucoma and can cause damage to the optic nerve.

By reducing IOP, medication helps to slow down or halt the progression of glaucoma by relieving pressure on the optic nerve. However, it is important to note that medication cannot reverse any existing damage to the optic nerve.

Types of Glaucoma Medication

There are several types of medication used to treat glaucoma, including:

Prostaglandin analogs

These medications are applied topically and work by increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye, which helps to lower IOP. Common prostaglandin analogs include latanoprost, bimatoprost, and travoprost.

Beta blockers

Beta blockers are taken orally or applied topically and work by reducing the amount of fluid that the eye produces, which can help to lower IOP. Examples of beta blockers used for glaucoma treatment include timolol and betaxolol.

Alpha agonists

These medications work by reducing the production of aqueous humor, which is the fluid that fills the front part of the eye. This helps to lower IOP. Common alpha agonists used for glaucoma treatment include brimonidine and apraclonidine.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

These medications work by reducing the production of aqueous humor, which helps to lower IOP. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can be taken orally or applied topically. Examples of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors include dorzolamide and brinzolamide.

Rho kinase inhibitors

Rho kinase inhibitors are a newer class of glaucoma medication that work by relaxing the muscles in the eye's drainage system. This helps to increase the outflow of fluid from the eye, which can lower IOP. Netarsudil is an example of a rho kinase inhibitor used for glaucoma treatment.

It is worth noting that each type of medication has its own potential side effects, and not all medications are appropriate for every patient. Your ophthalmologist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs.

Depending on the type of glaucoma you have, whether its open or closed angle your consultant will discuss with you which type of laser is best for you. At The Harley Street Eye Centre they aim to provide the glaucoma laser treatment on the same day as your consultation. This will give you immediate peace of mind so you can feel assured that you are on the right track to having healthy eye pressure.

For more details, visit https://www.eyesat22a.com/glaucoma-eye-surgery-and-treatments.