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February 10, 2012
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Understanding Glaucoma Medications (cont.)

Medical Author:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Richard W Allinson, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Robert H Graham, MD

Medical Treatment of Glaucoma

Treatment is designed to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) by reducing production or increasing outflow of aqueous humor. Depending on the type of glaucoma, medications or surgery are used. Intraocular pressure can usually be lowered using different medications in eyedrop, oral, or injectable forms.

Latanoprost (Xalatan), bimatoprost (Lumigan), travoprost (Travatan), unoprostone (Rescula)

  • How prostaglandins work: These drugs work near the drainage area within the eye to improve aqueous outflow, which, in turn, lowers intraocular pressure (IOP).

  • Who should not use these medications

    • Use: These drugs are given as eyedrops to the affected eye(s).

    • Drug or food interactions: Eyedrops containing the preservative thimerosal form a crystal if administered at the same time. Wait at least 5 minutes between applications. If administered with pilocarpine eyedrops, wait at least 10 minutes—preferably, 1 hour—between applying the two drugs.

    • Side effects: These eyedrops should not be used while wearing contact lenses. An increase in brown pigment in the iris and gradual changes in eye color may occur. Eyelash growth and pigmentation may increase. Skin on the eyelids and around the eyes may darken. Excessive tearing, eye pain, or lid crusting may occur. Burning, stinging, foreign-body sensation (something in the eye), blurred vision, and itching have also been observed.

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    While any type of glaucoma can be unilateral, primary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle-closure glaucoma, primary infantile glaucoma, juvenile-onset glaucoma, and pigmentary glaucoma are generally bilateral diseases, the severity of which may be asymmetric in the two eyes.

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