Side Effects of Prescription Eyedrops for Chronic Open-angle Glaucoma

At age 38, my younger brother has chronic open-angle glaucoma, generally known as the most common form of glaucoma. Broadly, his ophthalmologist described his condition as one in which the internal plumbing system of the eye functions imperfectly. It was explained that such malfunctioning occurs when an excess of the circulating transparent fluid in the eye (aqueous humor) fails to drain out quickly enough (through the eye's complex drainage system) and creates excessive pressure, destroying cells in the retina and optic nerve in the process. Chronic open-angle glaucoma, or any other form of glaucoma for that matter, can seriously reduce peripheral vision and eventually lead to a complete loss of sight if not treated.

There are basically three classes of eyedrops prescribed for the treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma. These are: pilocarpine (the type prescribed to my brother); epinephrine (often referred to nontechnically as adrenaline); and the various beta-blockers (timolol is the most common of this class).

Initially, my brother complained of headache near the eyebrow shortly after applying pilocarpine. His ophthalmologist assured him that this side effect is temporary and typically does not occur after using it regularly for a couple of weeks. It was mentioned that the other common side effects of this type of eyedrops include momentary obscuring of vision and a slight pricking sensation. Because less light is allowed by this type of eyedrops to filter through to the back of the eye, objects appear darker in dimly lit rooms. In general, according to my brother's ophthalmologist, the side effects of pilocarpine are minimal and that none of these should remain a problem for any length of time.

Earlier, epinephrine was also considered for my brother's condition. When applied as eyedrops, this decongestant-bronchodilator medication causes dilatation of the eyes' pupils. While some patients have been known to react favorably to these eyedrops, others may experience such reactions as heart palpitations and nervousness from their use.

The different beta-blockers comprise the third class of medications prescribed to sufferers of chronic open-angle glaucoma. Timolol, for example, is often prescribed to those who have very low tolerance for the other types of eyedrops or have developed allergies from using them. This drug appears to work perfectly for some patients and not so well for others. It has likewise been observed that beta-blockers can lose their effectiveness after a time. The reason why this type of eyedrops was not even considered for my brother is because he's asthmatic. Ophthalmologists will never prescribe beta-blockers to people with asthma, or those who have heart condition or lung disease.

Not a few people have the misconception that eyedrops are weaker than the other forms of medication. Truth is that all eyedrops are powerful medications and may carry serious side effects. The ophthalmologist's directions on the use of these drugs must therefore be precisely followed at all times. [Read the Original Article]