The first treatment for glaucoma typically involves prescription eye drops.
These eye drops are designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), the main risk factor for glaucoma, by either increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye or decreasing the production of fluid within the eye.
How Glaucoma Eye Drops Work:
- Increasing Fluid Drainage: Some eye drops help to improve the flow of fluid out of the eye's drainage system, called the trabecular meshwork.
- Decreasing Fluid Production: Other eye drops reduce the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) produced within the eye.
Types of Eye Drops Commonly Prescribed:
While specific prescriptions depend on the individual and the type of glaucoma, common types of eye drops used include:
- Prostaglandin analogs: These increase the outflow of fluid from the eye.
- Beta-blockers: These reduce the production of fluid in the eye.
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists: These both reduce fluid production and increase fluid outflow.
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: These reduce fluid production.
Important Considerations:
- Often, a single type of eye drop is prescribed initially.
- Depending on the severity of the glaucoma and the effectiveness of the initial treatment, multiple eye drops may be required.
- Adherence to the prescribed eye drop regimen is crucial for managing glaucoma and preventing vision loss.
