Medications

The goal of therapy is to reduce IOP, typically by using medicated eyedrops. These medications must often be used for a long time. Each person’s response to medication varies and changes with time, and IOP control may deteriorate despite the use of multiple medications. Therefore, your IOP is continually monitored, especially whenever medications are changed or discontinued.

• The preferred drugs for lowering IOP include beta-antagonists, alpha-agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, all of which reduce the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye. Beta-antagonists are typically the first choice, and alpha-agonists and/or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are added later.
  
  
• Prostaglandin analogs and miotics increase the outflow of fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye. Prostaglandin analogs may be useful, but miotics are not routinely recommended.