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| Eyedrops are the front line defense against glaucoma. There are several types, which work separately or in conjunction with one another. If you have problems while using your glaucoma drops, notify your doctor immediately. There are several options to try. Never discontinue medications of any kind without notifying your doctor! |
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| Beta Adrenergic Blocking Agents (beta blockers)
Timolol (Timoptic, Timoptic XE, Betimol)
Carteolol (Ocupress)
Betaxolol (Betoptic)
Metipranolol (OptiPranolol)
Levobunolol (Betagan)
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| Beta blockers work by decreasing the amount of fluid the eye produces. They are sometimes used in combination with other glaucoma medications. Potential side effects include blurred vision, decreased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, weakness, , impotence, and depression or change in moods. |
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Prostaglandin Analogs
Latanoprost (Xalatan)
Bimatoprost (Lumigan)
Travoprost (Travatan)
Rescula
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Prostaglandin analogs lower eye pressure by increasing the drainage of aqueous humor (eye fluid) from the eye.
The most frequent side effects are temporary stinging and burning and blurred vision upon instillation. In patients with hazel eyes, there is a 7- to 15-percent chance of the eye color changing to brown. Ask your doctor if you are at risk for this change in eye color. Other side effects can include growth of the eye lashes, darkening of the skin around the eyes, and inflammation inside the eyes.
Some patients experience flu-like symptoms, skin rash, or muscle and joint pains.
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| Alpha 2 Agonists, Adrenergic agents
Apraclonidine (Iopidine)
Dipivefrin (Propine)
Brimodine (Alphagan)
Alphagan P
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These drops also reduce the production of fluid inside the eyes, thereby lowering ocular pressure. Common side effects include allergic eye reactions and a dry mouth. However, the newest form available, Alphagan P, has a reduced incidence of these problems (than Iopidine).
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Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Dorzolamide (Trusopt)
Brinzolamide (Azopt)
Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125mg, 250mg, 500mg
Methazolamide (Neptazane) 25mg, 50mg
Cosopt (pictured) actually combines a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor with a beta blocker.
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| Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors lower eye pressure by reducing the production of aqueous (eye fluid). They may be used alone or in combination with other medications. These medications are given either as eye drops, or as pills that are taken orally.
Side effects are infrequent, but may include a bad taste in the mouth, stinging and burning, or allergic reactions. The pill form of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Diamox, Daranide and Neptazine) is very potent and has potential side effects. These include numbness and tingling of the fingers or toes, loss of appetite and energy, weight loss, diarrhea, frequent urination and kidney stone production. These pills are all derivatives of sulfa drugs and should not be used by anyone who is allergic to sulfa.
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| Parasympathomimetic Agents (miotics)
Pilocarpine (Pilocar, Isoptocarpine, etc.)
Carcholin (Carbachol).
Echothiophate (Phospholine Iodide)
demacarium bromide (Humorsol).
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| Miotics lower eye pressure by pulling on the muscles around the drainage system thereby increasing the drainage of aqueous (eye fluid) from the eye.
A common side effect is increased nearsightedness, which causes a blurring of distance vision, especially in younger people. The smaller pupil may cause brow aches (especially when the drops are first started) and poor vision in dim lighting. Many people also find it difficult to see when going indoors because the pupil does not dilate to allow more light in.
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