Problems with Glaucoma Drops – Part 3 of 8

April 26, 2021

Problems with Glaucoma Drops – Part 3 of 8

Glaucoma treatment most often starts with prescribing eye drops. They are used to help the fluid in the eyes to drain better and lower intraocular pressure. Some eye drops are also meant to reduce the amount of the fluid that the eyes produce. When a doctor prescribes eye drops for glaucoma, it is important to take the medication regularly. The problem with eye drops is that it is easy to forget a dose when the condition is not exhibiting any symptoms.

Treating Glaucoma with Eye Drops

Since, treating glaucoma with eye drops is a lifelong treatment, it is important that the eye drops are chosen carefully. As the patients have to take these eye drops several times a day, every day for life, the compliance to take them becomes an issue. Additionally, these eye drops have mild to severe side effects that can disrupt the patient’s life quality. Another problem with the eye drops is that it is ingested by the body through blood stream that can result in some heart and breathing problems.

Types of Eye Drops

There are a number of eye drops available to treat glaucoma. Frequently used eye drops to treat glaucoma are:

Prostaglandin Analogs

These eye drops increase the amount of fluid that drains from the eyes and ease intraocular pressure. They are administered one drop once a day. Side effects of the drops include redness of the eye that may fade in a few weeks, darkening of the color of iris and the skin around the eye, and excessive growth of eyelashes that may curl inwards after a while scratching the cornea.

Beta Blockers

These eye drops are meant to reduce the amount of fluids that the eyes make lowering pressure in the eyes. They are administered one drop twice a day. Side effects of this type of eye drop include lower blood pressure and heart rate, dizziness, insomnia, impotence, and decreased libido. They can also alter the lipid profile and inhibit the symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetics.

Alpha-adrenergic agonists

These drops help reduce the amount of fluids the eyes make and also help in improved draining of the fluid. They are administered one drop thrice a day. The side effects of the drops include allergic reaction and itching in the eyes, low blood pressure, respiratory depression, and excessive drowsiness.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

These are the rarely used drops to treat glaucoma. They lower the eye pressure as they curb the amount of fluid produced by the eyes. Side effects of the drops include a stinging sensation in the eyes and a bitter taste in mouth.

Consult Today

While eye drops are the first step in the treatment of glaucoma, they are not suitable for everyone. The severe side effects of the drops can disrupt the patient’s quality of life extensively. If you are experiencing the symptoms of glaucoma, ask your doctor for the best course of treatment. When you are looking for an ophthalmologist in or around Texas, Texas Eye and Cataract center is here to help. Our team of seasoned eye surgeons have expertise in the treatment of a variety of eye problems including intraocular hypertension and glaucoma. To book an appointment or to get answers to any questions related to glaucoma, call 469-505-2020 or email info@teceyecare.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I give someone recovering from cataract surgery?

The most practical gifts are preservative-free artificial tears, wraparound sunglasses, audiobooks or a podcast subscription, meal delivery, button-front or zip-front pajamas, a warm eye compress mask, and a drop or medication organizer. Offering your time for rides, errands, or company is also one of the most appreciated gifts of all.

What should I avoid giving a cataract surgery patient?

Avoid heavily fragranced flowers, gifts that require lifting or assembly, eyedrops that are not preservative-free, and fitness or exercise-related gifts. These either pose a physical risk during recovery or aren't appropriate until the patient is cleared for full activity.

How long does cataract surgery recovery take?

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days to a week. Restrictions on bending, lifting, and swimming typically ease within two to four weeks, and most patients are fully back to normal routines by the one-month mark.

Why can't cataract surgery patients wear pullover shirts?

Raising the arms overhead to pull on or remove a shirt can accidentally bump or put pressure on the operated eye during early recovery. Button-down or zip-front tops are a safer, more comfortable choice for the first week.

Can cataract surgery patients watch TV or use their phone?

Screen time is generally recommended to be limited for the first one to three days after surgery, as it can cause eye strain during early healing. Audiobooks and podcasts are a great alternative during this period.

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