Eye Drops for Glaucoma Treatment: The Pros and Cons
Often referred to as “the silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a serious eye condition that is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Although there is no cure for glaucoma, ophthalmologists have made significant advances in treating the condition, including developing special eye drops that can help prevent vision loss by stopping glaucoma in its tracks.
While prescription eye drops are an effective treatment for many glaucoma patients, they’re not always for everyone and come with certain side effects. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of eye drops for glaucoma treatment.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. Damage occurs due to increased eye pressure, known as intraocular pressure or IOP.
There are two main types of glaucoma, including:
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Most glaucoma patients have open-angle glaucoma, a condition that arises when resistance builds up in the drainage angle of the eye. In a healthy eye, aqueous humor fluid consistently flows in and out of the eye through the drainage angle, keeping your intraocular pressure stable.
When blockages prevent fluid from leaving the eye at the rate it should, intraocular pressure rises, leading to optic nerve damage. Most patients with open-angle glaucoma don’t notice symptoms at first.
However, as it develops, you may begin to lose your peripheral vision and eventually all of your eyesight. Once vision has been lost, it cannot be restored, so it is essential to attend regular eye exams to monitor for signs of the condition and treat it before it can cause significant damage.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma is a rarer form of the condition that happens when the iris is too close to the drainage angle of the eye, leading to a rise in intraocular pressure. Patients with this condition are at risk of acute attacks, when the iris completely blocks the drainage angle and causes a sudden rise in eye pressure.
Symptoms of an acute closed-angle glaucoma attack may include:
- Suddenly blurry vision
- Seeing rainbow-colored halos around lights
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache or eye pain
These attacks are considered medical emergencies and require immediate attention. If not treated quickly, it could lead to rapid vision loss and permanent blindness.
What are the Benefits of Treating Glaucoma with Eye Drops?
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, your eye doctor at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction may prescribe you special eye drops to help lower intraocular pressure. They are the most common treatment for open-angle glaucoma and offer a minimally invasive way to maintain healthy eye pressure.
Some eye drops work by helping aqueous humor fluid flow better through the drainage angle, while others limit the amount of fluid your eye is making. While prescription eye drops cannot cure glaucoma or reverse damage to the optic nerve, they can prevent your condition from worsening and help preserve your sight.
All the medication requires is following a daily application schedule set by your eye doctor and remembering to stay on top of renewing your prescription.
What are the Drawbacks of Eye Drops for Glaucoma?
Depending on the eye drops prescribed by your eye doctor, you may experience side effects that include:
- Stinging, itchiness, or redness of the eyes
- Changes to your heartbeat, breathing, or energy level
- Dry mouth
- Changes to your eye color or the skin around your eyes
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Eyelash growth
These side effects can be frustrating and cause patients to seek out more permanent glaucoma treatment like laser trabeculoplasty, a procedure that can lower intraocular pressure and reduce your reliance on prescription eye drops. This is an especially good option for patients who have a hard time sticking to the application schedule required for glaucoma medication or have trouble remembering to use their eye drops.
Are you interested in determining whether eye drops are the best treatment for your glaucoma? Schedule an appointment at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Burbank, CA, today!
