What Glaucoma Eye Drops Are the Best?

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, requires ongoing treatment to manage eye pressure and prevent further vision loss. Eye drops often play a critical role in managing most types of glaucoma.

 Keep reading to learn which glaucoma eye drops are the best!

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, critical for clear and full vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. 

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of sixty. Permanent vision loss can occur within days if it is not treated.

There are many other types of glaucoma, all of which require treatment to control eye pressure and prevent vision loss.

Which Types of Glaucoma Require Eye Drops?

Glaucoma eye drops play a critical role in managing almost every type of glaucoma. They are usually the first line of treatment prescribed to lower eye pressure and slow damage to the optic nerve.

For open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma, drops to decrease fluid production or improve drainage are used initially. Eye drops can help delay the progression of optic nerve damage.

With angle-closure glaucoma, an emergency acute attack requires urgent medical treatment to relieve the sudden pressure and blockage. However, after that episode, maintenance drops are typically needed to prevent future attacks and vision loss.

Other types of glaucoma, like normal tension glaucoma and congenital glaucoma, also nearly always necessitate daily glaucoma medication. While some rare forms may eventually require laser or surgery, eye drops are the most common treatment method for controlling glaucoma and preserving vision in most patients.

Which Eye Drops Are The Best For Glaucoma?

There are several types of prescription eye drops used to treat glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe the drops that are most appropriate for your specific type and severity of glaucoma.

Some of the categories of glaucoma eye drops include:

Prostaglandin Analogs

These eye drops are often the first choice. Brand names include Lumigan, Travatan, and Xalatan. They increase drainage.

Beta Blockers

common brand names are Timoptic and Betoptic. They lower the production of eye fluid.

Alpha Agonists

Examples are Alphagan and Iopidine. They decrease fluid production and increase drainage.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Common brands are Azopt, Trusopt, and Diamox. They reduce fluid formation.

Combination Drops

These contain two different types of medications in one bottle. Examples are Cosopt, Combigan, and Simbrinza.

Those who are diagnosed with glaucoma may have to try multiple different types of drops to find which one works best for them. What works for one person may not work for another.

Your eye doctor will work with you to determine the best eye drop and eye drop regimen to help control your eye pressure.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of My Glaucoma Drops?

It is essential to use your glaucoma medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Missing doses can allow pressure to rise and cause more optic nerve damage, thus vision loss.

Always ask your eye doctor what to do in case you miss a dose since the answer will depend on your specific treatment. To help you remember to take your eye drops on time, mark your dosing times on a calendar or set phone reminders.

It is very important that you let your eye doctor know if you frequently forget to use your drops. They may recommend switching you to a different medication with less frequent dosing.

Keeping up with your glaucoma medications is crucial to preserve your eyesight. With proper treatment, it is possible to slow the progression of glaucoma and maintain vision.

Do you have glaucoma and are wondering which eye drops are best for you? Schedule an appointment at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Burbank, CA, today!