How Glaucoma Medications Work

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. The goal of glaucoma medications is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent further vision loss.

Treatment Options

• Laser Trabeculoplasty: This is considered the gold standard treatment for glaucoma, where a laser is used to improve the outflow of fluid from the eye, thereby reducing IOP.

• Alternatives: When Laser Trabeculoplasty is not suitable or effective, other medications can be used. These include:

  • Prostaglandin Analogues: reduce IOP by increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye

  • Beta Blockers: decrease the production of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby reducing IOP

  • Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: also decrease the production of aqueous humor, reducing IOP

How Medications Work

The medications used to treat glaucoma work by either increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye or decreasing the production of aqueous humor. This helps to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.