Glaucoma medication

Glaucoma medication is divided into groups based on chemical structure and pharmacologic action. The goal of currently available glaucoma therapy is to preserve visual function by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients that have an increased intraocular pressure.

Medical uses

Agents in common clinical use include:

• Prostaglandin analogs
• Parasympathomimetic (miotic) agents, including cholinergic and anticholinesterase agents
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (oral and topical)
• Adrenergic antagonists (nonselective and selective Beta1-antagonists)
• Alpha 2 agonists
• Hyperosmotic agents
• Nitric oxide donators
• Rho kinase inhibitors

When comparing people with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, medical intraocular pressure lowering treatment slowed down the progression of visual field loss.

Comparison table

Combinations

Fotil is a combination drug consisting of:

• Pilocarpine, a parasympathomimetic
• Timolol, a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist

References